A Clippers fan begged star center Ivica Zubac to sign the big man’s Lakers rookie card while the 7-footer was on his way to the locker room before Monday’s loss to Memphis at the Intuit Dome.
Ivica Zubac Signs His Lakers Rookie Card
Zubac, 28, was ready to sign the fan’s card before seeing it was for the other L.A. team.
“Thank you, Zu,” the fan said.
“Where’s the Clippers one?” Zubac asked.
“Oh, it’s your rookie card, though, please. It’s all I have,” the fan explained.
Being the chill NBA player that he is, Zubac decided to sign the card anyways.
A Clippers fan bags Ivica Zubac to sign on his Ivica Zubac rookie card (Lakers jersey), and eventually Zubac agreespic.twitter.com/kWs7ELIWQl
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) December 18, 2025
“Oh, thank you so much. I really appreciate it,” the fan said as Zubac gave the card back.
“Have a good game, Zu,” the fan’s friend said nearby.
The fan added at the end of the video that he met Zubac “outside the training facility at one time.” He didn’t specify whether it was the Lakers’ UCLA Health Training Center or the Clippers’ Honey Training Center.
Zubac was selected 32nd overall by the Lakers in the second round of the 2016 draft.
The Croatian hooper spent 2½ seasons with the Purple and Gold before he and Michael Beasley were traded to the Clippers for Mike Muscala at the Feb. 2019 deadline.
Clippers Rejecting Trade Offers For Zubac
Zubac has been linked to multiple teams ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, but the Clippers reportedly aren’t interested in moving the 10-year veteran.
Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Clippers are expected to receive calls about Zubac, “but they don’t want to part with the ever-improving big man who sports such a team-friendly contract.”
Zubac, 28, had a breakout year last season, averaging career highs of 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2,7 assists, and 32.8 minutes per game in 80 games (all starts) with L.A.
In the Clippers’ 119-117 road loss to the Phoenix Suns on March 4, he recorded a career-high 35 points on 15-of-19 (78.9%) shooting from the field and 5-for-6 (83.3%) from the free throw line.
After leading the league in total rebounds (1,010), offensive rebounds (300), and defensive boards (710), Zubac was a finalist for Most Improved Player, and he earned his first NBA All-Defensive Second-Team selection.
Per Spotrac, Zubac is signed to a three-year, $58.65 million contract. He’s slated to make $18.1 million this season, $19.5 million in 2026-27, and $29.9 million in 2027-28.
Through 26 games (all starts) this season, Zubac is averaging 16.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 32.8 minutes per contest while shooting 61.3% from the floor and 69.9% from the free throw line.
