While the Los Angeles Clippers have been fortunate to have employed multiple hall-of-fame players over the last five seasons, one of their most visible development projects revolves on the seven-foot big man, Ivica Zubac. Zubac was originally chosen by the Lakers but was traded across the street in 2019.
Years later, Zubac has become one of LA’s franchise faces. He is durable, dependable, and committed to increasing his skill set, regardless of how good it already is. This demonstrates how he is the embodiment of the culture established by head coach Tyronn Lue.
Prior to signing a three-year, $58.6 million agreement in the offseason, Zubac had just finished the best playoff series of his career. Although the Clippers dropped six games against Dallas, the 27-year-old averaged 16.2 points and 9.3 rebounds while shooting 60.0% from the field.
He has truly evolved since becoming unplayable against the Mavericks.
Zubac is now a primary option in Lue’s game plan. He outperforms defenders of all sizes thanks to his intelligence, strength, and touch.
Furthermore, given the current Western Conference standings, the Clippers must consider a potential game against the Los Angeles Lakers. This is critical for Zubac, who might be viewed as the team’s x-factor in the playoffs.
Lue must multitask and look ahead, as the Lakers now have a top-three player in the world with LeBron James.
Furthermore, the head-to-head confrontations intensified after Los Angeles acquired their future center in a deal with the Charlotte Hornets.
To upset the Los Angeles Clippers, the Lakers will rely on a developing star at center and two greats.
The LA Clippers were already concerned about the Lakers’ greatness with LeBron James and Luka Dončić. However, things have worsened for Tyronn Lue as Los Angeles found an underappreciated center in Mark Williams, a former Hornet.
Furthermore, NBA reporter Shams Charania just announced the Lakers’ trade for Williams, which involved Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, an unprotected first-round selection, and a pick exchange.
Williams, who averages 16.0 points and 9.8 rebounds for the Hornets, has dramatically boosted his ceiling since joining Dončić and James. This is likely to exceed the Clippers’ capacity, especially with Ivica Zubac on the bench.
Additionally, the Lakers still have exceptional players in Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt. These players, combined with James and his new weapons, should stun Lue and his squad.
However, these changes to the Lakers’ rotation were not predicted weeks ago. To fight back in an ongoing rivalry, the Clippers’ front management must barter for talent to address the rotation’s shortcomings.
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