By Johnny Askounis/ [email protected]
Ivica Zubac will remain sidelined for at least three weeks due to a Grade 2 left ankle sprain, as reported by NBA on Prime senior NBA insider Chris Haynes and ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Croatian center was forced to an early exit from Saturday’s meeting of the Los Angeles Clippers with the Los Angeles Lakers. Following the injury, he was helped up to his feet by Slovenian opponent Luka Doncic, who, in turn, was later left the game as well. Lasting 11 minutes, Zubac tallied five points, two rebounds, and one assist.
In 28 appearances during the 2025-26 Regular Season, all of which were starts, the experienced big averaged 15.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 0.4 steals per contest. Already in a tough situation at 7-21, head coach Tyronn Lue losing his starting center for multiple team outings certainly does not help the Clippers.
Zubac has been with the Clippers since 2019, following three years with the Lakers to start his NBA career in 2016. Last season, amid a colorful campaign for the Defensive Player of the Year award, he eventually settled with a spot in the All-Defensive Second Team, which was his first distinction in the league.
Back in 2016, after starting his professional career in Europe with Cibona and later Mega Leks, he was drafted by the Lakers with the 32nd overall pick.
Beyond the NBA, he has been a regular with the senior national team of Croatia over recent years, including participation in the EuroBasket 2022.
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