Overview
- Zubac said Abdul-Jabbar met with the Lakers’ leadership about mentoring him but no role followed, a story he recounted on February 11 on the X’s & O’s Chat podcast.
- Outlets have framed the account as reflecting a front-office choice under Magic Johnson, though Zubac noted he does not know what happened in the meeting.
- Zubac credited longtime Lakers staffer Bill Bertka with connecting him to Abdul-Jabbar after noticing him practicing the skyhook during early workouts.
- Drafted 32nd by the Lakers in 2016 and traded to the Clippers in 2019, Zubac blossomed into a dependable starter, averaging 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds in 2024–25 to earn All-Defensive Second Team honors.
- The Clippers dealt Zubac to the Pacers on February 5, 2026, and he has yet to debut for Indiana due to an ankle injury and paternity leave.