Ivica “The Zuphiliac” Zubac has had a very small role this year with the Lakers, and I’m not sure if it’s going to get better for him next season. Only now, with the playoffs out of reach, is he seeing more court time, and next season the Lakers will (theoretically) be competing for a playoff spot thanks to the addition of Paul George or LeBron James or some random consolation prize for striking out on the free-agent market. That means developmental minutes will be limited, and Zubac will have to get those minutes because the coaching staff legitimately wants him to get those minutes to help win games.
In my opinion, Zubac is good enough RIGHT NOW to be the primary backup center for the Lakers. I’m not just saying that to pander to all the Croats reading this. He’s looked solid enough in his smallish role that I think he’s ready for more: more touches, more responsibility, more fame, and more eyebrow hair. He might just be another Euro plodder but he’s a Euro plodder with SKILL.