The 2016 NBA Draft has been full of surprising picks and trades, making it a fun and unpredictable event as each pick has unfolded.
The Los Angeles Lakers did not surprise anyone at the top of the draft, following the Philadelphia 76ers’ selection of Ben Simmons with the top pick with Brandon Ingram at No. 2 overall.
After waiting out the remainder of the first round, the Lakers have added Croatian big man Ivica Zubac to what is a young core filled with upside. Los Angeles needed another big man after selecting Ingram in the first round, and they get that with the 7-foot-1, 265-pound Zubac.
The 19-year-old was projected to go No. 27 overall in DraftExpress’ mock draft. He had a first round grade by many projections, due to his size, length and age. According to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress, Zubac will come over to the United States next year so that he can be on the Lakers roster, instead of staying overseas to develop more.
Lakers have agreed to bring Croatia Ivica Zubac over next year, sources tell me. Will be on their roster. DX profile https://t.co/vytbCQ8kgK
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 24, 2016
Here is DraftExpress’ video breakdown highlighting Zubac’s strengths as a player.
The vast majority of the second round is still yet to be completed, but it appears the Lakers work is done for the night. While Zubac came as a bit of a surprise, the Lakers added a wing and a big man, exactly what they needed.
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