By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Jerry West laughed when the Los Angeles Lakers traded center Ivica Zubac. West is a consultant for the Los Angeles Clippers.
In February, the Clippers acquired Zubac and Michael Beasley in a deal with the Lakers for Mike Muscala. Beasley was released by the Clippers several days after the deal.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers reached out to the Clippers about trading Zubac. West reportedly was stunned by the offer.
“Shortly after the trade deadline, Clippers consultant Jerry West — who spent more than 40 years with the Lakers as a player, coach, and executive — got together for dinner with old friends, who also had former Lakers ties,” sources said to ESPN. “He couldn’t believe how Zubac fell into his lap. The Clippers, sources said, never even called the Lakers to inquire about Zubac. The Lakers made the offer and the Clippers gladly accepted.
“Sources said those at the dinner table shared a hearty laugh at the Lakers’ expense.”
The Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina native — who just turned 22-years-old in March — was a second-round draft pick by the Lakers in the 2016 NBA Draft. He was the second pick and 32nd overall.
He spent two plus seasons with the Lakers, before the trade to the Clippers. Since being acquired, he made 20 starts. He is averaging 9.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game in 19.8 minutes.
With the Lakers, he made 33 appearances, including 12 starts. He averaged 8.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.1 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game in 15.6 minutes per game.
