Ivica Zubac
Born 1997 · Age 29
Croatian professional basketball center; drafted 32nd overall in 2016, played for Los Angeles Lakers (2016–2019) and Los Angeles Clippers (2019–present). Key contributor on Clippers' frontcourt and Croatian national junior teams.
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Life & Career Timeline
Grew up in Čitluk (childhood)
Zubac grew up in Čitluk, a town east of the Croatian border; this upbringing shaped his Croatian identity and basketball beginnings.
Born in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ivica Zubac was born in Mostar on 18 March 1997.
Joined Cibona youth system (approx.)
Came through the youth system of Croatian club Cibona before moving into senior-level play (date approximate based on later senior roster promotion).
Played for Zrinjevac (Croatian 2nd division)
Played the 2013–14 season for KK Zrinjevac in Croatia's second division as part of his early senior career.
Promoted to Cibona senior roster
Made the roster of Cibona's men's team for the 2014–15 season, joining a core of prospects after Dario Šarić's departure.
Played in Croatia A-1 League and ABA League
Appeared for Cibona in Croatia's top-tier A-1 League and the regional ABA League during his first season on the senior roster.
Loan to KK Gorica
Spent time on loan at KK Gorica in 2015 as part of development during his Cibona tenure (recorded in career history).
Played in FIBA Europe Cup and junior national tournaments
Saw action in the FIBA Europe Cup with Cibona and represented Croatia at youth international competitions (see separate entries for 2015 FIBA junior events).
FIBA U19 World Championship — strong performance
Averaged 17.6 points and 7.9 rebounds at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship in Greece; earned All-World Championship U19 Second Team honors from eurobasket.com.
FIBA U18 Europe Championship — standout stats
Averaged 15.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game at the 2015 FIBA U18 Europe Championship; made eurobasket.com's all-tournament second team.
Assigned multiple times to Los Angeles D-Fenders (G League)
During his rookie season, had multiple assignments with the Lakers' D-League affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders.
Left KK Cibona and signed with Mega Leks (Serbia)
In February 2016, left Cibona citing the club's financial difficulties and signed with Mega Leks (KK Mega Basket) in Serbia.
Drafted 32nd overall by the Los Angeles Lakers (2016 NBA Draft)
Selected in the second round, 32nd overall, of the 2016 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Signed rookie contract with Los Angeles Lakers and joined Summer League
Signed with the Lakers on 7 July 2016 and participated in the 2016 NBA Summer League with the team.
NBA debut for Los Angeles Lakers
Made his NBA debut on 2 November 2016, starting in place of Timofey Mozgov and scoring six points in a 123–116 win over the Atlanta Hawks.
Multiple assignments to South Bay Lakers (G League) during 2017–18
During the 2017–18 season, Zubac had multiple assignments to the Lakers' G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, due to limited playing time.
First NBA double-double (11 pts, 13 rebounds)
Recorded his first double-double on 17 January 2017 against the Denver Nuggets: 11 points and a team-high 13 rebounds, plus three blocks.
Season-high four blocked shots (12 Mar 2017)
On 12 March 2017, had 10 points, six rebounds and a season-high four blocked shots in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Career-best 25 points and 11 rebounds vs Nuggets
On 13 March 2017 posted a then career-best 25 points on 12-of-15 shooting with 11 rebounds in a loss to Denver.
Season ended early with high ankle sprain
Ruled out for the remainder of the 2016–17 season (31 March 2017) with a high ankle sprain in his right ankle.
First NBA Playoffs appearance (with Clippers)
Following the 2018–19 season trade, Zubac became a key rotation member for the Clippers and reached the NBA Playoffs for the first time in his career.
Traded to Los Angeles Clippers
On 7 February 2019, Zubac and Michael Beasley were traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Mike Muscala.
Season-high 15 rebounds in 20 minutes
On 22 February 2020, posted a season-high 15 rebounds in 20 minutes against the Sacramento Kings.
Perfect shooting game: 6-for-6, 17 pts, 12 reb (season high)
In a win over the Houston Rockets (reported 5 March 2020), shot a perfect 6-for-6 and posted 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Historic 21 pts, 15 reb on 100% shooting
On 6 August 2020 (NBA bubble), produced 21 points and 15 rebounds on 100% shooting in 24 minutes — first player in the shot clock era with 20+ and 15+ on 100% shooting in under 30 minutes.
Helped Clippers reach Western Conference Finals (2021 Playoffs)
During the 2021 NBA Playoffs, Zubac was part of the Clippers team that advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.
Season-high 22 points vs Miami Heat
Scored a season-high 22 points and grabbed 8 rebounds on 15 February 2021 in a 125–118 win over the Miami Heat.
Double-double: 18 points and 13 rebounds vs Pistons
Recorded 18 points and 13 rebounds in a 100–98 victory on 14 April 2021.
Started 76 games and posted career-high season averages (2021–22)
In the 2021–22 NBA season, Zubac started a career-high 76 games and averaged career-highs of 10.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
Career-high 32 points and 10 rebounds
On 19 January 2022, scored a then career-high 32 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 130–128 OT loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Signed 3-year, $33 million contract extension with Clippers
On 28 June 2022, agreed to a three-year, $33 million extension to remain with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Historic 31 points and 29 rebounds vs Indiana
On 27 November 2022, recorded 31 points and a career-high 29 rebounds in a 114–110 win over the Indiana Pacers.
Playoff career-high 20 points and 15 rebounds (2024)
On 21 April 2024, Zubac scored a playoff career-high 20 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in a 109–97 victory against the Dallas Mavericks.
Agreed to 3-year, $58.6 million contract extension with Clippers
On 30 August 2024, Zubac agreed to a three-year, $58.6M contract extension with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Named to NBA All-Defensive Second Team
Recognized league-wide for defensive performance by being named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team (award listed for 2025 seasons).
Career earnings reported (cumulative)
Basketball-Reference reports Ivica Zubac has made at least $57,692,518 in professional basketball earnings (cumulative figure reported on his profile).
Achieved career season-high averages (2024–25 season)
By the 2024–25 season, Zubac posted career-high per-game averages (e.g., 16.8 PPG, 12.6 RPG) and increased on-court impact.
Public/Family: Credits cousin Zoran Planinić for motivation
In media reports (May 2020 and later), Zubac credited his cousin, former NBA player Zoran Planinić, as a motivating influence; both share Mostar roots.
Public recognition from LeBron James (reported)
In January 2025, a viral clip and reports noted LeBron James praising Zubac's improved play and commenting he 'needed a big' like him.
First career triple-double in playoffs (20-11-10)
Recorded his first career triple-double on 9 April 2025 with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 134–117 win over the Houston Rockets (playoffs focused game).
Game 1, 2025 Playoffs: 21 pts, 13 reb vs Denver (OT loss)
Closed Game 1 of the 2025 first round vs Denver with 21 points and 13 rebounds in a 112–110 OT loss (playoff series reports).
Game 2, 2025 Playoffs: 16 pts, 12 reb vs Denver (win)
Posted 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists in a 105–102 victory in Game 2 of the first round vs Denver (April 22, 2025).
Game 4, 2025 Playoffs: 24 pts, 20 reb vs Spurs (regular season highlight recaps)
April 2025 highlights and team video clips noted a 24-point, 20-rebound performance in April 2025 (regular season highlight included on the Clippers site).
Game 5, 2025 Playoffs: Team-leading 27 points vs Denver (loss)
On 29 April 2025, led the team with a 27-point performance (11-of-15 FG) in a Game 5 loss to Denver.
Game 7, 2025 Playoffs: Double-double in Game 7 loss
On 3 May 2025, recorded 10 points and 14 rebounds in Game 7 loss to the Denver Nuggets (first-round elimination reported).
Key Achievement Ages
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