Career Timeline of Ivica Zubac: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Ivica Zubac, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Ivica Zubac is a Croatian professional basketball player currently playing for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016, he played there until being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019. He contributed to the Clippers' first-ever Western Conference Finals appearance in 2021. Zubac was traded to the Pacers during the 2026 trade deadline. He also represents the Croatian national basketball team.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2013: Joins Zrinjevac Youth System

In 2013, Ivica Zubac came through the youth system of Cibona and then played for Zrinjevac in the second Croatian division during the 2013–14 season.

2013: FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship

In 2013, Ivica Zubac represented the Croatian junior national team during the FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship.

2015: FIBA Under-19 and Under-18 Championships

In 2015, Ivica Zubac participated in the FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Greece, averaging 17.6 points and 7.9 rebounds, receiving All-World Championship Under-19 Second Team honors. He also played in the 2015 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, averaging double digits in scoring (15.8 points per game) and rebounding (12.9 rebounds per game), making the all-tournament second team.

February 2016: Signs with Mega Leks

In February 2016, Ivica Zubac left Cibona and signed with Mega Leks of Serbia due to the financial difficulties of the team.

June 2016: Drafted by Los Angeles Lakers

On 23 June 2016, Ivica Zubac was selected with the 32nd overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.

November 2016: NBA Debut

On November 2, 2016, Ivica Zubac made his NBA debut, scoring six points as the fill-in starter for Timofey Mozgov, as the Lakers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 123–116.

2016: NBA Draft and Lakers contract

In 2016, Ivica Zubac was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round. Later, he signed with the Lakers and joined the team for the 2016 NBA Summer League.

January 2017: First Double-Double

On January 17, 2017, Ivica Zubac recorded his first double-double against the Denver Nuggets, scoring 11 points and securing a team-high 13 rebounds.

2017: Assignment with South Bay Lakers

During the 2017–18 season, Ivica Zubac had multiple assignments with the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers' NBA G League affiliate due to limited playing time in the regular season.

February 2019: Traded to Los Angeles Clippers

On February 7, 2019, Ivica Zubac and Michael Beasley were traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Mike Muscala.

2019: Trade to the Los Angeles Clippers

In 2019, Ivica Zubac was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.

February 2020: Season-High Rebounds

On February 22, 2020, Ivica Zubac posted a season-high 15 rebounds in 20 minutes of play against the Sacramento Kings.

August 2020: Perfect Shooting Performance

On August 6, 2020, Ivica Zubac posted 21 points and 15 rebounds on 100% shooting in 24 minutes on the court in the 126–111 win against the Dallas Mavericks. This made Zubac the first player in the shot clock era to accomplish 20+ points and 15+ rebounds on 100% shooting in under 30 minutes of playing time.

February 2021: Season High Scoring

On February 15, 2021, Ivica Zubac scored a season high 22 points, alongside grabbing 8 rebounds, in a 125–118 win over the Miami Heat.

2021: Western Conference Finals

During the 2021 NBA Playoffs, Ivica Zubac helped the Clippers reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.

2021: Career Highs

During the 2021-22 NBA season, Ivica Zubac started a career-high 76 games and averaged career-highs of 10.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.

January 2022: Career-High Scoring Game

On 19 January 2022, Ivica Zubac scored a career-high 32 points and grabbed 10 rebounds during a 130–128 overtime loss against the Denver Nuggets.

June 2022: Contract Extension with Clippers

On 28 June 2022, Ivica Zubac signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension with the Clippers.

April 2024: Playoff Career-High

On 21 April 2024, Ivica Zubac scored a playoff career-high 20 points and 15 rebounds in a 109–97 victory against the Dallas Mavericks.

August 2024: Contract Extension and LeBron James' Wish

On 30 August 2024, Ivica Zubac agreed to a three–year, $58.6 million contract extension with the Clippers. He improved significantly this year, averaging career high in rebounds and points, leading to Lakers star LeBron James wishing he had him back, considering his remarkable improvement.

April 2025: First Career Triple-Double

On 9 April 2025, Ivica Zubac recorded his first career triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 134–117 win over the Houston Rockets.

2025: Season Statistics

During the 2025–26 NBA season, Ivica Zubac made 43 appearances (including 42 starts) for the Clippers, recording averages of 14.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.

February 2026: Trade to the Indiana Pacers

On 5 February 2026, Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown were traded to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks and a second-round pick. Following his trade, head coach Rick Carlisle stated how Zubac will be out and will have a delayed debut due to an ankle injury, but also, due to a paternity leave, as his wife Kristina gave birth to their daughter Sienna.