The Los Angeles Lakers’ Summer League team has been great so far, winning all three of their games. D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram, and Larry Nance Jr. have gotten most of the headlines, but rookie second-round pick Ivica Zubac has also flashed potential.
The 19-year-old has shown off a solid offensive repertoire in Las Vegas with a soft touch around the basket and has even shown the ability to knock down open jumpers. That last part is reportedly something the Lakers want him to keep working on.
According to Mark Medina of the LA Daily News, the Lakers coaching staff is allowing Zubac to extend his range out to three-point line:
Lakers coaching staff is giving Zubac green light to extend his range, even to 3-point line
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) July 13, 2016
This is certainly a sign of the new offense that head coach Luke Walton will be installing with this team. Ball movement and spacing will be essential and a center being able to step out and knock down three-pointers consistently would be a great weapon to have.
The Lakers were dead last in three-point shooting last season, and Walton and the rest of the coaches are hoping to improve that. Nance Jr. has already shown improved three-point range this summer and Russell has worked hard to improve his shooting as well. The additions of Ingram and Jose Calderon should also help the Lakers cause on that end.
Even if Zubac isn’t able to become a great shooter, he still brings a lot to the table with his size, rebounding, and mobility. He is also quickly becoming a fan favorite because of his personality and enthusiasm off the court.
In three games so far, Zubac is averaging nine points, six rebounds, and two blocks while shooting 64.3 percent from the field and 81.8 percent from the free throw line.