The Los Angeles Lakers went international with their 32nd pick in the 2016 NBA draft, selecting 7’1″ Croatian center Ivica Zubac. The 19 year-old, who weighs in at 265 pounds, has a 7’4″ wingspan and is known for his abilities in the post, especially with his back to the basket, as well as protecting the paint and having an eye for passing.
Zubac hopped on a conference call with the L.A. media moments after he heard his name called in Brooklyn, New York. His endearing personality had media members laughing, especially when he revealed the three Lakers jerseys he owns: Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum.
Zubac talks about watching Bryant’s final game at 4:30AM in the morning, despite having practice at 10:00AM the same day. Plus, although some figured he might be a stash player, Zubac explains that his plan is to play in Summer League and make the Lakers roster this upcoming season.
(*sidenote: the laughing you might hear in the background of this interview, is not directed at Zubac, but rather a situation in the media room and technical difficulties with the speaker phone).