Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking down the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League roster

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Lonzo Ball walks on stage after being drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Lonzo Ball walks on stage after being drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking down the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League roster
LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 15: Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by JaVale McGee #1 of the Golden State Warriors during their preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 15, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Golden State won 112-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Ivica Zubac; Center

Zubac came out of nowhere for the Lakers last season. He was the second pick in the second round, No. 32 overall, in the 2016 NBA Draft. He wasn’t expected to play much, if at all, for the Lakers as a rookie but plans changed as the season went on.

Zubac was given a chance at some real playing time once the Lakers committed to the youth movement. He responded well with some monster games. Zubac scored 25 points with 11 rebounds against the Denver Nuggets, arguably the best game of his rookie season.

Zubac should be the backup center coming into the 2017-18 regular season behind Brook Lopez. He doesn’t have much to prove in Summer League, but as one of the more talented players here, it would be nice to see some big games from him. He dominated the Summer League last season, and the Lakers are hoping he does it again.

Last season, Zubac averaged only 16 minutes per game, yet still put up 7.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.9 blocks. Los Angeles is hoping he can improve on those numbers as he should be a fixture in the rotation this upcoming season. It would not be surprising to see Zubac only play a few minutes so the team can get a look at other players during the summer league games.