LeBron James' debut season with the Los Angeles Lakers has featured some head-scratching moves by the team's front office, including the trade of young center Ivica Zubac to the LA Clippers.
The second-year big man showed some promise with the Lakers, averaging 11.7 points and 6.1 boards per contest in 22 appearances following his first start of the season on Dec. 21.
But the team dealt Zubac and Michael Beasley to the Clippers for Mike Muscala in order to clear a roster spot. The Clippers never even called to inquire about Zubac and gladly accepted the Lakers' offer, sources told ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
Following the deal, Clippers consultant Jerry West shared a hearty laugh at the expense of his former club with some old friends during dinner, sources told McMenamin. West spent more than four decades with the Lakers as a player, coach, and executive.
Zubac is averaging nine points and 7.8 boards per contest across 20 appearances for the playoff-bound Clippers. The 22-year-old will be a restricted free agent this summer and the team has until the end of June to extend him a $1.9-million qualifying offer.
