Lakers trade with Hornets combats Clippers to an unexpected extreme

While the LA Clippers have been lucky enough to have employed numerous hall-of-farmers over the last five seasons, one of their most prominent development projects surrounds the seven-foot big man, Ivica Zubac. Though drafted as a Laker, Zubac was shipped across the street in 2019.

Years into the future, Zubac has become one of the faces of LA’s franchise. He is durable, reliable, and dedicated to improving his skill set despite how great it already is. This backs up how he is the epitome of the culture set by head coach Tyronn Lue.

Prior to signing a three-year, $58.6 million extension in the offseason, Zubac had concluded the best playoff series of his career. Although the Clippers lost in six games to Dallas, the 27-year-old posted 16.2 points and 9.3 rebounds, shooting 60.0% from the field.

He has truly evolved from once becoming unplayable against the Mavericks.

Zubac is now one of the primary options on Lue’s game plan. He uses his IQ, strength, and touch to outwork defenders of all sizes.

Moreover, with the current standings in the Western Conference, a potential matchup the Clippers must evaluate is the Los Angeles Lakers. This is crucial for Zubac, as he can be seen as the team's x-factor in the postseason.

Lue must multi-task and look ahead, as the Lakers now roster a top-three talent in the world alongside LeBron James.

Additionally, the head-to-head battles just became more intense as Los Angeles landed their center of the future through a deal with the Charlotte Hornets.

The Lakers have a rising star at center, plus two greats, to help defeat the LA Clippers.

As the LA Clippers were already worried about the Lakers’ greatness with LeBron James and Luka Dončić, things have worsened for Tyronn Lue as Los Angeles found an underrated center in Mark Williams, a former Hornet.

Furthermore, NBA reporter Shams Charania recently announced the Lakers’ trade for Williams, where they gave up Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, an unprotected first-round pick, and a pick swap.

As Williams has averaged 16.0 points and 9.8 rebounds for the Hornets, his ceiling has increased significantly from joining Dončić and James. This likely exceeds the Clippers’ capacities, primarily when Ivica Zubac heads to the bench.

Additionally, the Lakers still have outstanding talents in Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt. These guys, plus James and his new weapons, should startle Lue and his squad.

That said, these enhancements within the Lakers’ rotation were not expected weeks ago. To fight back in an ongoing rivalry, the Clippers’ front office must barter for talents to resolve the rotation’s miscues.