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Los Angeles Lakers: Ivica Zubac is well aware of his struggles

By Nick Ziegler

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Anthony Gill #27 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 13, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 94-83. 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)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Anthony Gill #27 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 13, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 94-83. 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) /
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While the Los Angeles Lakers have played very well in the Summer League, one of their key players has struggled.

Coming into the Summer League, the Los Angeles Lakers had one of the best rosters in the Las Vegas Tournament. With players like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Ivica Zubac, the Lakers looked like the best team on paper.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, they haven’t received the type of production they were hoping for from Zubac. After a great Summer League last season, and some good moments in the regular season, Zubac doesn’t appear to have taken a step forward.

After seeing the great game from Brandon Ingram against the Los Angeles Clippers, he looked like a second-year player that will be ready to shine in the regular season. For Zubac, he is well-aware of his struggles so far in Summer League. With a chance to win the Summer League title, Zubac is focused on being more aggressive.

"“When I go to the rim I’ve got to be more aggressive. I’ve got to go for a dunk every time,” Zubac said to Harrison Faigen of SilverScreenAndRoll.com. “If I don’t dunk I’ll get free throws. That’s my main goal.”"

With Lonzo Ball playing very well so far, we have seen Zubac have some of his best moments when Ball is feeding him the basketball. However, he has looked poor at times in the post against players he should be able to outmatch.

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Recently, the poor performances of Zubac have resulted in him not being on the court to finish games. Instead, the Lakers have been using small lineups with Kyle Kuzma as the tallest player on the court. Even though he wants to be out there, Zubac understands why he isn’t closing games.

"“If that’s the way we’re going to win the game because [the opponent] is way too small, then we’ve got to play small ball. I’m good with that,” Zubac said to Faigen. “We set the goal to win summer league, and we’re going to try to do that.”"

The Lakers will be playing the Dallas Mavericks with a possible trip to the Summer League Finals on the line. For Zubac, it will be another opportunity for him to try and make up for some of his poor performances.

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