The Clippers came into their two-game homestand looking to shake off a tough loss to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. With the Lakers-albeit a shorthanded version-visiting Intuit Dome first, this was a prime chance for LA to reset and reassert themselves. But just 11 minutes into the game, their plans took a serious hit.
Ivica Zubac appeared to sprain his ankle and went down immediately grabbing at it.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 21, 2025
Zu was then helped up by Brook Lopez and Lakers’ Luka Doncic before hobbling back to the Clippers locker room. pic.twitter.com/88RLBQ2pBw
Ivica Zubac, who’s been a rock in the middle all season, went down with what appeared to be a left ankle injury. The play didn’t look overly dramatic at first glance, but Zubac immediately reached for his ankle and stayed down, unable to get back into the flow of the possession. That’s never a good sign.
He was helped to his feet by teammate Brook Lopez and Lakers guard Luka Doncic, a rare moment of sportsmanship between rivals. Zubac managed to limp off under his own power, but the Clippers didn’t leave anyone guessing-about 10 minutes later, they officially ruled him out for the rest of the game.
Before the injury, Zubac had logged 11 minutes, putting up five points, two rebounds, and one assist-all in the first quarter. It’s a small sample, but it was shaping up to be another solid outing in what’s been a strong campaign for the 7-footer.
Zubac had suited up for all 27 of the Clippers’ games prior to this one, anchoring the paint with averages of 16 points, 11.5 boards, 2.6 assists, and a block per game. He’s been efficient too, shooting over 60 percent from the field and nearly 71 percent from the line-numbers that speak to his growth as both a finisher and a dependable presence at the stripe.
With Zubac sidelined, the Clippers are suddenly thin at the center position. Brook Lopez, the 37-year-old veteran, is now the only healthy big man available. Rookie Yanic Konan-Niederhauser, who’s shown flashes in limited minutes, is out with left knee soreness and won’t be available for Saturday night’s game.
For a team that’s been leaning on its frontcourt depth and physicality, this is a real test. Zubac’s absence not only removes a key interior defender and rebounder-it shifts the entire dynamic of how the Clippers operate on both ends. Lopez brings experience and floor spacing, but he’s not the same kind of rim protector or vertical threat in the pick-and-roll.
Ivica Zubac has been ruled OUT for the remainder of Lakers-Clippers with a left ankle injury. https://t.co/wxZABRt3s6
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 21, 2025
The Clippers will need to get creative if Zubac misses extended time. Whether that means going small, leaning more on switch-heavy lineups, or exploring the trade market down the road remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: losing Zubac, even temporarily, is a gut punch for a team still trying to find its rhythm in a stacked Western Conference.