Los Angeles Lakers: 5 players with the most to prove in 2017-18

5. Ivica Zubac, C

Heading into the offseason, it looked like the 2017-18 campaign was going to be a big one for Ivica Zubac. Then the Lakers traded for Brook Lopez, and the young center’s stock took quite the tumble. It was a discouraging development for Zubac.

It only made it worse when you remembered how promising his rookie season was. In 38 games (11 starts), he averaged 7.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game. Although he was and still is undeniably raw, the physical tools are there. Zubac is still only 20 years old, and has so much more potential just waiting to be unlocked.

Unfortunately for him, this won’t be his opportunity to win the starting job and assert himself as a prominent piece of the Lakers’ lineup. Regardless, the 2017-18 season will give Zubac an opportunity to continue learning while proving he can be a productive option off the bench.

We have to remember that Lopez only has one year left on his deal. The Lakers are preparing for a spending spree during 2018 free agency, which means he likely won’t be re-signed. When he leaves Los Angeles, the Lakers will need to find a new starter center.

Will Zubac have made the necessary progress to get the first crack at the gig? Or will he have struggled as the backup center, forcing the Lakers to look elsewhere for a new starting 5? The answer will depend largely on how he plays this year. That’s why he’s got plenty to prove in 2017-18.