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Los Angeles Lakers: Bold Predictions For 2016-17 Season

By Carter Johnson

Mar 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D Angelo Russell (1) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (left) after making a shot during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D Angelo Russell (1) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (left) after making a shot during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 8, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Buddy Hield (24) loses control of the ball after colliding with Los Angeles Lakers center Ivica Zubac (40) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 8, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Buddy Hield (24) loses control of the ball after colliding with Los Angeles Lakers center Ivica Zubac (40) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Ivica Zubac Is Team’s Starting Center By Season’s End

Outside of Russell, there might not have been a more impressive player for the Lakers this summer than second round pick Ivica Zubac.

A relative unknown before the start of summer league, Zubac put the world on notice by displaying advanced skill on the offensive end and shot-blocking prowess on the defensive end.

The Croatian center was absolutely stellar, putting up averages of 10.6 points, 7.2 boards and a whopping 2.6 blocks a night.

Performances like this one had teammates and coaches alike buzzing about the international big’s potential, with some even comparing him to former Lakers second-round pick turned All-Star Marc Gasol.

That’s high praise for an 18-year-old getting his first run at the game’s highest level.

With such an mature game and immense two-way potential, it’s hard to believe that Zubac will be riding the bench for long as he’s only behind the likes of Tarik Black and mediocre veteran Timofey Mozgov.

Having played alongside Pau Gasol as a former Laker and after coaching Andrew Bogut in the Bay, Walton knows how rare a versatile two-way center is and won’t hesitate to let the young Croatian get his opportunity as the team’s defensive anchor.

Zubac has already shown that he’s ready to contribute right away and fans shouldn’t be surprised to see the teenager join his fellow youngsters in the starting lineup by season’s end.

Next: Trades?

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