JUST IN: The Lakers Risk Repeating Their Ivica Zubac Mistake — And It’s Still Haunting Them
The Los Angeles Lakers have long been a franchise defined by big moves and blockbuster trades, but sometimes it’s the subtle missteps that leave the deepest scars. One such blunder still looming large is the trade of Ivica Zubac to the Clippers in 2019 — a quiet deadline deal that turned into a long-term regret. Now, as the Lakers face pivotal offseason decisions, history threatens to repeat itself.
Zubac was just 21 when the Lakers shipped him across the hall for Mike Muscala, a move intended to boost shooting and spacing for a playoff push. Instead, the Lakers missed the playoffs, Muscala was gone by summer, and Zubac blossomed into a dependable starting center — exactly the type of player the Lakers have struggled to find consistently in recent years.
Since his departure, the Lakers have cycled through a revolving door of big men: JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard, Andre Drummond, Thomas Bryant, and most recently Jaxson Hayes. None have offered the long-term stability, interior defense, and pick-and-roll reliability Zubac brings nightly for the Clippers. Meanwhile, Zubac has averaged near double-doubles with strong rim protection — all on a team-friendly deal. His growth and durability have made the Lakers’ decision look increasingly shortsighted.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Lakers are again flirting with undervaluing their young talent. Whether it’s Max Christie, Austin Reaves, or rookie forward Dalton Knecht, there’s pressure to package youth for win-now veterans. While chasing championships is part of the Lakers’ DNA, mortgaging the future for marginal gains could once again backfire.
The risk isn’t just about losing production — it’s about losing cost-controlled talent in an increasingly rigid cap landscape. With the new CBA limiting roster flexibility for tax-heavy teams, keeping young contributors on affordable contracts is more vital than ever.
Zubac’s success with the Clippers is a painful reminder of what happens when the Lakers get impatient. Development takes time, and the urge to chase short-term upgrades must be weighed against long-term roster building. If the Lakers want sustained contention, they must avoid making the same mistake twice.
Before pulling the trigger on any trade involving promising young players, the front office should look back at the Zubac deal — and think hard about whether it’s worth repeating history. Because the cost of another misjudgment might haunt them for years to come.