The Los Angeles Clippers' recent home victory over their city rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, was quickly overshadowed by a significant setback. The team's starting center, Ivica Zubac, suffered a serious left ankle injury that will sideline him for an extended period, dealing a major blow to the team's quest for stability in the Western Conference.
NBA Injury Update: Zubac's Diagnosis and Timeline
The incident occurred during the first quarter of Saturday's 103-88 win. While attempting a shot near the elbow, Zubac landed on the foot of Lakers star LeBron James. He immediately went down, clutching his ankle in pain, which brought a hush over the Crypto.com Arena crowd. After trying to walk it off, a noticeable limp forced him to retreat to the locker room for evaluation, and he did not return to the game.
By Sunday, the severity became clear. Renowned NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Zubac has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left ankle sprain. The Clippers organization confirmed the news, stating that the 28-year-old center will be re-evaluated in three weeks, with an absence expected to span multiple weeks. There is no firm return date set at this time.
This injury halts what has been a career-best season for Zubac. He has been a model of consistency and durability, appearing in most games over the past six seasons. This year, he was averaging impressive numbers: 15.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting an efficient 60.9% from the field. He leads the team in rebounds and blocks, serving as their defensive anchor.
Clippers Face Uphill Battle Without Their Star Center
Zubac's absence comes at a critical juncture for the Clippers. Despite the win against the Lakers, which ended a home losing streak dating back to October, the team remains near the bottom of the highly competitive Western Conference standings. While Kawhi Leonard's season-high 32 points provided the offensive spark in that game, replacing Zubac's interior presence will be a monumental challenge.
The timing is particularly brutal as the team looks to build momentum. Head coach Tyronn Lue now faces the difficult task of reshuffling his rotation. Veteran Brook Lopez is expected to move into the starting lineup, but the team lacks proven depth behind him. Zubac's role as the primary rim protector and rebounder is not easily filled by a single player, meaning the entire team defense will need to adjust.
Even opponents recognize Zubac's value. Lakers center Jaxson Hayes praised him after the game, calling him "a dog" and stating, "I feel like he's one of the most slept-on bigs in the league. If you play him, you know he's like that."
What's Next for the Clippers?
The immediate focus for the Clippers shifts to survival and adaptability. The team must find a way to stay competitive in a tough stretch of schedule without their most reliable big man. All eyes will be on how the lineup experiments fare, starting with their upcoming matchups.
The organization's hope is that with proper rest and rehabilitation, Zubac can return to the court before the season slips further away. His injury is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA, turning a moment of relief into one of renewed concern for the Clippers and their fans.
