Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: 5 takeaways from Las Vegas Summer League

By Kenneth Teape

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 17: Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to a reporter after the Lakers beat the Portland Trailblazers during the 2017 Summer League Finals on July 17, 2017 at the Thomas
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 17: Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to a reporter after the Lakers beat the Portland Trailblazers during the 2017 Summer League Finals on July 17, 2017 at the Thomas /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Los Angeles Lakers
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) /

Ivica Zubac Plays Inconsistently

Coming into the summer, the Lakers had high hopes for their returning players. Anyone who has a year of NBA experience under their belt is expected to play well at Summer League. Brandon Ingram lasted only one game, but he showed he had improved. The same could not always be said for Ivica Zubac.

Zubac had a surprisingly strong rookie season. He was not expected to play much, if at all, after being the No. 32 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. But, once the Lakers fully embraced their youth movement he became part of the rotation. He played well before suffering an injury, giving the Lakers a bright outlook.

It would be fair to say that Zubac fell short of those expectations in Summer League. Zubac looks like he is still growing into his body, as he looked lost at times on the court. He looked slow and sluggish at times, especially defensively. Zubac did not look comfortable venturing out to the perimeter, something he will have to improve upon if he wants to receive minutes in the regular season.

It is never a good sign when your center is the fourth leading rebounder on the team, but that is where Zubac was in Las Vegas. He averaged only 5.4 rebounds per game, as he was outshined at times by Thomas Bryant.

But, Zubac did have his bright spots. He scored 21 points in the come from behind victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. He benefited greatly from having Ball run the show, as Ball consistently found him rolling to the basket. Unfortunately, Zubac didn’t connect as much as you’d hope, as he shot only 47.1 percent from the field.

Next: 3 Lakers Standouts From Las Vegas Summer League

Consistency is something many young players have to work on, and the same goes for Zubac. He admitted that he struggled during the summer. The Lakers have high hopes for him, but he will have to earn his minutes. The Lakers are very deep at power forward, so head coach Luke Walton could get creative when making small-ball lineups. If Zubac wants to be a part of those rotations, finding consistency will be key.

Home/Lakers News