Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Takeaways from win over Phoenix Suns
By Ronald Agers
Barring something drastic happening…Say hello to your starting center
Ivica Zubac joined some elite company against the Phoenix Suns. Zubac joined Shaquille O’Neal, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard as the only players since 1991 to tally 24 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks. Considering the other three are future Hall of Fame players, you have an idea of what type of game the man had.
The month of January has been good for Zubac and the Lakers especially now that he has taken the starting spot. This game marks the fifth straight game that he has scored in double figures. Plus his efficiency is off the charts shooting 56 percent from the field in the game.
When (or if) LeBron James comes back soon, Zubac’s position in the starting lineup rotation should not matter. He is the only center in the lineup that has consistent post up moves. Plus he’s murder in the pick and roll on the offensive end. The one asset that Zubac has is the soft hands and the ability to catch the ball in close quarters and finish.
Now Zubac’s defense is getting better when he gets into a rhythm early and is engaged. He defended the rim early…
Then sent the Suns home late when they tried to attack the rim late trying to bully him! One of the blocks sent Devin Booker to the floor with so much frustration that he received a technical foul soon after.
He led the Lakers in a total domination on the boards out-rebounding the Suns by an absurd margin of 70-46.
But he’s in the trading rumors…believe it or not.