LeBron James Praises Former Lakers Teammate Zubac After Pacers Trade

The Lakers star lauds the 7-footer's skills and fit with the Pacers.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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LeBron James has expressed his high regard for former Lakers center Ivica Zubac, who was recently traded from the Clippers to the Pacers. James, who played with Zubac during the 2018-19 season, believes the 28-year-old will be a great addition for Indiana, particularly as a running mate for star point guard Tyrese Haliburton. James praised Zubac's two-way abilities and noted his team-friendly contract, calling him a "great player" who the Pacers "are gonna love."

Why it matters

Zubac's trade to the Pacers is significant, as he was once a promising young center for the Lakers who they surprisingly traded away in 2019. His subsequent development into an elite two-way big man has left many Lakers fans regretting the decision to move on from him. James' public endorsement of Zubac underscores the player's talent and value, and highlights the Lakers' potential misstep in trading him away.

The details

Drafted 32nd overall by the Lakers in 2016, Zubac spent his first two and a half seasons with the organization before being traded to the Clippers in 2019. With the Clippers, Zubac blossomed into one of the NBA's top low-post threats, earning an All-Defensive Second Team nod last season while posting career-highs in points (16.8) and rebounds (12.6) per game. The Clippers then traded Zubac to the Pacers at this year's deadline, receiving a sizable package in return that included wing Bennedict Mathurin, center Isaiah Jackson, and multiple draft picks.

  • Zubac was drafted by the Lakers in 2016.
  • Zubac spent his first two and a half seasons with the Lakers before being traded to the Clippers in 2019.
  • Zubac had a breakout season with the Clippers in 2022, earning an All-Defensive Second Team nod.
  • The Clippers traded Zubac to the Pacers at the 2023 trade deadline.

The players

LeBron James

A 10-time NBA All-Star and 4-time NBA champion, James is currently a star player for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Ivica Zubac

A 28-year-old center who was drafted by the Lakers in 2016 and has since developed into one of the NBA's top low-post threats, earning an All-Defensive Second Team nod in 2022.

Tyrese Haliburton

The star point guard for the Indiana Pacers, who is expected to form a strong partnership with Zubac once he returns from injury.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's a great pickup for Indy, especially going into the future, after losing Myles Turner, obviously, to [the] Milwaukee [Bucks]. Two different players, but I think with Tyrese coming back at some point with Zu, I think it's gonna work well.”

— LeBron James (Mind the Game)

“Zu works well with playmaking point guards, or playmaking players, and Tyrese is one of our best playmakers in our game. Obviously, you seen what Zu was able to do the last couple of years with James [Harden], so I think it's gonna be a great pickup.”

— LeBron James (Mind the Game)

“Kudos to Indiana … they saw his talent; he's still young, relatively, and things will be good. I think Tyrese is gonna love him. … I think they gonna love Zu. He's good. Great player.”

— LeBron James (Mind the Game)

What’s next

Zubac is expected to make his debut for the Pacers once he recovers from a left ankle sprain, and his partnership with Tyrese Haliburton will be a key storyline to follow as the team looks to build on its success this season.

The takeaway

LeBron James' glowing endorsement of Ivica Zubac highlights the Lakers' potential misstep in trading away the talented center, who has since blossomed into an elite two-way player. Zubac's arrival in Indiana could prove to be a savvy move by the Pacers, as they look to pair the 28-year-old with star point guard Tyrese Haliburton and build a contender in the Eastern Conference.