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Lakers: What Luke Walton’s Lineup Changes Could Look Like

By Christian Rivas

Dec 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton talks with guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center.Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton talks with guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center.Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Move Mozgov to the bench, start Zubac

Nov 13, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) fouls Los Angeles Lakers center Ivica Zubac (40) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Lakers 125-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) fouls Los Angeles Lakers center Ivica Zubac (40) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Lakers 125-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Is 19-year-old Ivica Zubac a starting-caliber center in the NBA? No, but neither is Timofey Mozgov when you really think about it.

Among starting centers in the NBA, Mozgov is dead last in rebounds per game (5) and has the worst box plus-minus. Four years, $64 million. Real tears.

If the Lakers can find a team to take his contract at the deadline, that would be the equivalent of winning an NBA championship. Confetti at Staples. Champagne in the locker room. Not only would that be a huge win off the court, but it would free up playing time for rookie Ivica Zubac. Over the last three games,

Not only would that be a huge win off the court, but it would free up playing time for rookie Ivica Zubac. Over the last three games, Zubac has averaged 10 points, 8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 24.2 minutes per game. Not bad for a rook. He’s still an incredibly raw prospect, but after spending some time in the D-League

He’s still an incredibly raw prospect, but after spending some time in the D-League, Zubac looks a little more comfortable with the physicality of the NBA game. He still needs to work on boxing out and getting defensive rebounds, but if his two double-doubles in his last three games are any indication of what this kid can do, he’ll be alright.

All he needs now is an opportunity and as the season goes on I would not be surprised to see Zubac get starters minutes, and maybe even a starting spot.

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