Lakers Draft Grades 2016: Ivica Zubac

The Lakers took Croatian center Ivica Zubac with the No. 32 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, but how does that pick grade out

After selecting Brandon Ingram with the second overall pick in this years draft, the Los Angeles Lakers waited nearly two hours for their next pick. In the meantime, a bit of chaos ensued as several surprising names climbed atop the draft board while others inauspiciously fell from their projected ranks.

By the time the 27th pick was rolled out, a handful of first round talent was still up for grabs and and the Lakers were in solid position to fill a much needed gap at the center position.  While unproven, high-upside bigs like Thon Maker and Gerogios Papagiannis flew off the board in the early first round, more established centers like Skal Labissiere and Deyonta Davis fell tantalizingly close to to the Lakers lap. (Seriously though, how did the Celtics get all of those picks? Damn you, Danny Ainge.)

Yet, instead of panicking, the Lakers stuck to the game plan and grabbed Croatian center Ivica Zubac with their 32nd overall pick. The seven-footer was ranked No. 23 in our Top 100 prospects but is a virtual unknown,  as he’s yet to play a full professional season in Europe.

Was this the right call? Let’s see how this pick holds up as we break down the draft grade for the Lakers second round selection.

Next: Final Grade