Los Angeles Lakers: 2016 Offseason Grades

Draft Pick No. 2

With the 32nd overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Croatian center Ivica Zubac — and possibly got the steal of the draft.

Zubac’s only played in five games as a Laker and already has fans, teammates and coaches alike buzzing about his advanced skill set and limitless potential.

Few knew anything about the 19-year-old prior to the Las Vegas Summer League, but he quickly put the world on notice. Zubac’s play was a very pleasant surprise for the Lakers as he strung together averages of 10.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and a whopping 2.6 blocks a night capped off by a dominant 16-point, 11-board and six-block outing in the team’s final contest against the Utah Jazz.

Zubac’s early mastery of post skills earned him comparisons to Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol from coaches and teammates and his shot-blocking prowess was met with chants of “Zuuuu!” in Vegas while also earning him the nickname “Zublocka.” The Croatian was so skillful that many were wondering how he slipped to the second round in the first place.

The team has been in desperate need of a rim protector in the middle and may have just acquired that and much more in Zubac, as his advanced offensive skills indicate a player who can become a dominant two-way center with the right development.

Zubac should earn a fair share of minutes in the rotation and, if all works as it should, will likely be viewed as an absolutely brilliant pick up for the Lakers down the road.

Grade: A+ 

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