Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors: 3 Players to watch on Christmas

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 22: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors and Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers walk up the court during the game on December 22, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 22: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors and Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers walk up the court during the game on December 22, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

– 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.