The 2016-2017 NBA season has been a difficult one for the Los Angeles Lakers, who have fallen into dire straits after an encouraging opening month. However, with a focus on player development, we have seen second overall pick Brandon Ingram granted the second-most minutes on the team, and it appears that head coach Luke Walton is now ready to give more playing time to the Lakers’ other 2016 draft pick.
Ivica Zubac has spent much of the season toiling away in the D-League, working on his game and waiting for an opportunity to prove his worth against the big boys. It appears that the time is now, as Zubac has received minutes in seven consecutive games, including a 26-minute outing against the Denver Nuggets and 28 minutes against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Walton has been pleased with Zubac’s play, and spoke after the team’s loss to the Blazers about the possibility of him earning a permanent spot (via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters and Spectrum SportsNet):
Could Zu get a consistent spot in the rotation? Luke: "If he keeps playing this way, absolutely… earned every minute he’s gotten.” (on SPSN)
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 26, 2017
Against the Blazers, Zubac recorded his second career double-double and flashed both the soft touch and rim protection that has the Lakers so optimistic about his future potential. He still has a long way to go, but at just 19 years old Zubac has time on his side. His minutes have bounced around quite a bit even in the games where he is part of the rotation, but he asserts that he will be ready to play regardless:
Ivica Zubac: "Whenever coach needs me, whether it be 5 minutes or 25, I’m going to be ready & give 100%.”
(on @SpectrumSN)— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 26, 2017
Despite another difficult season, there have been some silver linings for the Lakers, and the development of Zubac has certainly been one of them. If he can continue to grow, the Lakers have another outstanding foundational piece on their roster.