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Los Angeles Lakers 2016-17 Regular Season Team Awards

By Kenneth Teape

Oct 9, 2016; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) and forward Nick Young (0) celebrate against the Denver Nuggets at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The Lakers defeated the Nuggest 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) and forward Nick Young (0) celebrate against the Denver Nuggets at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The Lakers defeated the Nuggest 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers 2016-17 Regular Season Team Awards
Jan 31, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) tries to score past Los Angeles Lakers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Rookie of the Year: Ivica Zubac

Many people would put Brandon Ingram in this spot. The No. 2 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft came on strong after the All-Star break after a tough first half. But it is Zubac who gets the nod here.

The 32nd overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft came out of nowhere for the Lakers this season. Zubac wasn’t expected to get much playing time with Timofey Mozgov signed in free agency, plus Tarik Black and Thomas Robinson already on the roster. Whenever someone was hurt and Zubac received minutes, he performed well and forced the coaching staff’s hand.

Zubac eventually worked his way into the starting lineup. He took over at center once the team decided to shut down their veterans. In 11 starts Zubac averaged 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. He flashed some dominance at times, as he destroyed the Denver Nuggets on two separate occasions.

Unfortunately, Zubac’s rookie season ended prematurely because of an ankle injury. He ended up playing in only 38 games all season, but he showed well when given the chance. He had a Player Efficiency Rating of 17.0 on the season, which trailed only Lou Williams and Thomas Robinson on the Lakers this season.

Zubac looks like a building block going forward for the Lakers. He will have to earn the starting spot, but he will definitely be in the rotation from the onset of the 2017-18 season.

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