Embed from Getty Images
Looking to further establish himself as the greatest Laker center of all-time, Ivica Zubac is interested in picking up a few tips from former big man Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
Zubac talked to Mark Medina of The Orange County Register about working with the legendary Laker center.
“I hope after summer league I get the chance to work out with Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar]” Zubac said.
The reasoning is simple. Zubac has reported working on his hook shot “every day” at the Lakers’ practice facility with assistant coach Mark Madsen.
“But it’s different with someone who did it his whole career that can show you how to do it,” Zubac said. “I’m definitely looking forward to it. I’m going to use it a lot.”
The Lakers have expressed interest in talking to Abdul-Jabbar about taking a role within the organization. Abdul-Jabbar has served as a special assistant coach for the Lakers in the past.
Zubac, meanwhile, has worked on his skyhook last summer with legendary coaching figure Bill Bertka. During that time, Zubac watched film on Abdul-Jabbar but never worked directly with the NBA’s all-time leading scorer himself.
On top of developing his skyhook this summer, Zubac is also expanding his range to the three-point line. Larry Nance recently spoke of doing the same and it sounds like the two had some three-point shooting challenges.
Zubac also has expanded his shot to behind the perimeter with informal contests with Nance. Who’s winning?
“We’re not really keeping the score anymore for a few days,” Zubac said. “I was getting way too high for Larry. It wasn’t making any sense.”
No matter who may be winning, it’s encouraging to see a father and son have a great relationship both on and off the court.
