The Los Angeles Lakers’ trade of Ivica Zubac was one of the more minor, overlooked deals prior to the NBA trade deadline in February, but it’s turned out to be one of the most lopsided deals of the season.
The 21-year-old big man was dealt with Michael Beasley from the Lakers to the Clippers for Mike Muscala on Feb. 7.
Zubac went from having a limited role much of the year with the Lakers to being a starter with the Clippers. He’s playing 20.3 minutes per game, averaging 9.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest. The Clippers have gone an impressive 9-4 with him in the lineup, benefiting from his interior defense.
Contrarily, Muscala has averaged just 2.8 points on 9.3 minutes in eight games for the Lakers.
“I didn’t know Zu was that good until he came over here,” Clippers guard Patrick Beverley said of Zubac, via The Athletic’s Jovan Buha. “We thank the Lakers. We appreciate it.”
The Lakers figured they would be losing Zubac in the offseason anyway, which is why they wanted to get something for him. But the move backfired because he’s shown with the Clippers how effective he can be, while Muscala has done nothing for the Lakers. The Lakers have also seen their season tank since the deadline while the Clippers keep on winning.
What a steal by the Clippers.
