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Ex-Laker Ivica Zubac Calls Clippers Trade “Easiest Trade Ever”, Reveals Surprising Words From Former GM Magic Johnson

Published 01/15/2024, 12:59 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The LA Clippers have become a perennial title-contending franchise under the ownership of Steve Ballmer. However, they have failed to break the glass ceiling of winning a championship, despite possessing the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Chris Paul. But, this season could be very different, as the Clippers look like one of the most well-drilled and cohesive units in the NBA.

Ivica Zubac will play an integral role in the Clippers’ title assault this season. However, Zubac’s career could have panned out very differently, as he once played for the Los Angeles Lakers. In a recent interview, Zubac discussed how the then-General Manager of the Lakers, Magic Johnson, informed him about the trade.

Zubac recalls his trade to the Clippers

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In February 2019, the Lakers made the decision to trade the young Ivica Zubac to their rivals, the Clippers, in exchange for Mike Muscala. Unfortunately, the trade didn’t unfold as anticipated for the Lakers, but it turned out to be a successful move for the Clippers. In a recent interview with Paul George, Zubac recalled how the events unfolded on that day. He said, “I was cool with it, I was happy with it. I went somewhere where it was like, I’m gonna start every night, gonna get my minutes, it’s a young team and I was happy.”

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Zubac also called his trade to the Clippers the “easiest trade ever.” He said, “The crazy part is we was playing Boston when I was with Lakers… I look up Clippers schedule, they playing in Indiana that night, so I didn’t even switch hotels. Stayed at the same hotel, played a game in Boston, went back to LA, same house, same everything. It was the easiest trade ever.” Zubac’s trade to the Clippers was the best thing that could have happened to his career as he became an integral part of a title-contending side. But can he lead the Clippers to a title this season?

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Can the Clippers finally win an NBA championship?

The Clippers are widely regarded as the frontrunners for the championship this season, with both fans and analysts expressing confidence in their potential success. The significant addition of James Harden has proven beneficial for the Clippers, particularly after a challenging start to the season. Furthermore, Kawhi Leonard has also signed a three-year contract extension worth $152.4 million.

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All the signs point towards a promising future for the Clippers as they look to end their 54-year title drought. They certainly possess the talent and the pedigree to win the title. But injuries to key players could derail their title push. Can the Clippers win the 2024 NBA title? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by:

Dushyant Singh

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Dushyant Singh is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. His basketball script journey began in 2020 when he was captivated by the Los Angeles Lakers? triumphant NBA championship win. Before that he was merely dribbling and dunking as a boy next door.
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Edited by:

Ruth John