Ivica Zubac can no longer be the third center off the bench
I was not a fan of the benching of JaVale McGee a few games back. But if Luke Walton wants to keep McGee coming off the bench, he has to start Ivica Zubac. There is no other option here.
Tyson Chandler is not a starting center at this stage of his career. This is in no way a slight on Tyson Chandler because if he’s not on the roster, we are talking possible lottery and a run for the Zion Williamson sweepstakes. But he is a back up center at this point. Plus, if the Lakers keep this up, his back will be out by the end of the year.
It is important to remember the JaVale McGee had pneumonia a few weeks back and it was going to take time for him to get his conditioning back. We are talking about human health folks.
But what was found with this situation is the Lakers only consistent post up scoring option is Zubac. He has the best foot work and always finds himself in the right position when Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram drives to the basket.
In 21 minutes, Ivica Zubac led the Lakers in scoring with 21 points on 7-8 shooting and four free throws. The man is playing wildly efficient right now. The NBA is all over what James Harden is doing scoring wise. They need to start taking a look at what Zubac is doing. He doesn’t dance around the court and step back with 3 pointers, but he has supersized his abilities and responsibilities on the court.
Watch my smoke…when LeBron James and Rajon Rondo get back, you will see what I’m talking about. These two are willing passers and LeBron James basically got him out of the 12th man role.
Lakers fans talk about the development (or lack thereof depending on who!) of Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma…
Time to add this dude to the conversation and make him a priority. The way he is playing the Lakers front office have to consider his future. They have to make a qualifying offer in the offseason.