Zubac leads Clippers to first win against Lakers at Intuit Dome

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- The infamous trade that sent Ivica Zubac to the Clippers for Mike Muscala in 2018 is still paying dividends for the team that now resides in Inglewood. 

The Clippers beat the Lakers 116-102 in a completely controlled effort, led by Ivica Zubac’s 21 points and 19 rebounds. 

Intuit Dome had a different buzz early, and even with Laker fans coming in droves, Clipper fans made it known that it was their new home. Every bucket and defensive stop was met with loud pops of the crowd for the Clippers. 

It was a fun environment and a loud environment, one that fans will be seeing for each of the matchups the rest of the year. 

The Clippers had 3 players that scored 20 or more points, and Kawhi Leonard, in limited minutes, scored 19 of his own. 

Leonard is looking more and more like the All-NBA player that the league had to deal with in 2024, getting to his spots, looking spry, and menacing defensively. 

Even without Leonard, Norm Powell’s 22 points, James Harden’s 21 points, and Zubac’s 21 points controlled the offensive output for the majority of the game. 

The Clippers biggest lead was 26, and on Jeff Van Gundy’s birthday, the Clippers went multiple stretches with lockdown defense, highlighted by the interior presence of Zubac. The team is 7-0 when Zubac has a 20 point and 15 rebound game.

It seems like Zubac is becoming more and more of a focal point on the offensive end, but his gravitas and impact on the defensive end has been paramount to this Clippers’ team’s defensive renaissance. 

With a brutal week ahead, the Clippers will rest Kawhi Leonard on Monday, and others will probably follow because of the four games in five nights. At the halfway mark of the season for the Clippers, they sit at the 5 seed and 1.5 games above the Lakers. 

Now, the Bulls come to town after a loss in Portland to face a Clippers squad that is sure to sit some players. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM PT.