Lakers' Ivica Zubac: Expected to play in NBA in 2016-17

Zubac is expected to join the Lakers in the 2016-17 season. "I believe he would like to play next year and we wouldn't be opposed to that," Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said of Zubac.

Analysis:

Kupchak said the organization wasn't viewing a D-League assignment as a possibility for Zubac, so if the center is able to arrange an out clause in his contract with Mega Leks of the Adriatic League, look for him to sign with the Lakers right away. With Roy Hibbert set to become a free agent this offseason and unlikely to be retained, the Lakers currently have a void at the center spot, but the 7-foot-1 Zubac likely wouldn't open the season in anything more than a second- or third-string role. While Zubac brings good size to the position, runs the floor well and is able to finish strong near the rim, at 19 years old, he's probably not physically mature enough to contribute in a significant way at the NBA level.