I come to you with the heaviest of hearts to share some unfortunate news.
The Lakers have announced that 19-year old rookie center Ivica Zubac will sit out the remaining seven games of the season for the team. Zubac suffered a high ankle sprain in the opening minutes of their loss to the Timberwolves on Thursday. The Croatian big man has started the last 10 games for the purple and gold but his season will be cut just a little short.
INJURY UPDATE: An MRI confirmed a high R ankle sprain for Ivica Zubac. He'll be out the remainder of the season. https://t.co/4udXumMeZl
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 31, 2017
As a starter, Zubac was playing very well and showcasing his potential as the next great Laker center. He was averaging 10.6 points, 59.1 percent shooting, and 5.3 rebounds in 20.9 minutes in 11 starts while averaging 7.5 points and 4.2 rebounds on the year. He has been a fan favorite and a welcomed bright spot ever since the team selected him with their second-round selection in the 2016 draft.
This injury should not be considered serious in any way but it is something to keep an eye on if he has consistent ankle issues. With that said, the team is probably doing the best thing here in keeping him out for the season as there is not much on the line for the team at this point.
As for the center spot going forward, look for increased minutes for Tarik Black and this injury might force Luke Walton to toy with the Julius Randle/Larry Nance Jr. small ball idea a little more.
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