Ivica Zubac reflects on playing with LeBron James

Former Lakers center opens up about his positive experience with the NBA superstar

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Ivica Zubac, who spent the early part of his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, recently spoke about his experience playing alongside LeBron James. Zubac, now with the Indiana Pacers, had high praise for how James treated him and the rest of his teammates during their brief time together on the Lakers.

Why it matters

Zubac's comments provide a rare glimpse into how LeBron James interacts with his lesser-known teammates, highlighting the superstar's ability to make a positive impression even on players who only spent a short time with him.

The details

Zubac, a second-round pick by the Lakers in 2016, was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019. During his time with the Lakers, he played in just five games alongside LeBron before the superstar suffered an injury. However, Zubac said those few games were "amazing" and that LeBron "actually cared" about him, even checking in on Zubac after he had returned from international qualifiers when he was nearly waived.

  • Zubac was drafted by the Lakers in 2016.
  • Zubac was traded to the Clippers in 2019.
  • Zubac and LeBron played together for five games during the 2018-2019 season before LeBron's injury.

The players

Ivica Zubac

A Croatian center who spent the early part of his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers and now plays for the Indiana Pacers.

LeBron James

A 20-year NBA veteran and one of the league's all-time greatest players, currently with the Los Angeles Lakers.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, the way he treated us and me was great. First time I met him, I had just come back from those qualifiers. When I was almost waived. I went back to Los Angeles after that. You always want to be first at the gym. So I get there early. He's already lifting. Working, pumping iron. I walk in, he sees me from the other side. He's yelling, 'Zuuu!' He comes over, hugs me. 'How were qualifiers?' He watched everything. That left an impression—he actually cared. It stayed that way.”

— Ivica Zubac, Former Lakers Center (Sporting News)

What’s next

Zubac will look to continue his strong play with the Indiana Pacers after being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers.

The takeaway

Zubac's positive experience playing with LeBron James, even for a short time, highlights the superstar's ability to make a lasting impression on his lesser-known teammates through his genuine care and support, something that is not always associated with elite NBA players.