– Ivica Zubac
Due to the absence of Chandler and McGee, the Lakers have been using Ivica Zubac a lot more than earlier in the season. Despite not being in the rotation for much of the year, Zubac has been great the past two games.
In the start against the New Orleans Pelicans, Zubac had a monster game. In the win, Zubac totaled a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Zubac was very efficient from the field, as he shot 8-of-12 from the field in 32 minutes.
Against the Grizzlies, Zubac once again got the start and performed very well once again. In the loss, Zubac totaled 19 points, four rebounds, and four blocks. Zubac once again played over 30 minutes, as he provided strong play for the Lakers.
On Christmas, we will have to see if Zubac once again gets the start. The Warriors famously run small lineups, so even if Zubac gets the start, he might not play a ton. However, with how well he has been playing, the Lakers might look to try and stay big against the Warriors and hurt them with Zubac on the inside. See what the Lakers do with Zubac will a very interesting to monitor on Christmas Day.