Ivica Zubac stands tall as one of the most reliable centers in the NBA today. While he may not grab headlines like some of the league’s flashier stars, basketball insiders recognize his consistent impact on both ends of the court.
The Croatian big man has developed into a cornerstone for the Los Angeles Clippers, providing steady production and defensive presence that has earned him increasing recognition among fans and peers alike.
His career trajectory from European prospect to established NBA veteran shows how dedication and incremental improvement can lead to long-term success in the world’s premier basketball league.
Ivica Zubac’s Biography
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ivica Zubac |
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1997 |
| Age | 28 years |
| Education | N/A |
| Nationality | Croatian |
| Height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2013 (Europe), 2016 (NBA) |
| Net Worth | Career earnings over $57 million |
| Salary (2024-25) | $11,743,210 |
| Wife | Kristina Prišč |
| Instagram Profile | @ivicazubac |
| Twitter Profile | @ivicazubac |
Early Career
Ivica Zubac’s basketball journey began in Europe, where he developed his skills through the youth system of Croatian powerhouse Cibona. Born in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zubac grew up in Čitluk, just east of the Croatian border. His natural size and basketball instincts were evident from an early age, placing him on a path toward professional basketball.
Zubac’s first professional experience came during the 2013-14 season when he played for Zrinjevac in Croatia’s second division. This opportunity allowed him to test his developing skills against grown men, providing valuable experience that would benefit his career progression. The following season marked a significant step forward as he made the roster of Cibona’s men’s team. He joined a talented group of prospects that included Nik Slavica and Ante Žižić, stepping into roles vacated by the departure of NBA-bound Dario Šarić.
During his time with Cibona, Zubac gained valuable experience competing in multiple leagues. He participated in Croatia’s top-tier A-1 League and the regional ABA League in his first season. His second year saw additional action in the FIBA Europe Cup, further expanding his competitive horizons. These varied experiences helped Zubac develop different aspects of his game against diverse styles of play.
Financial difficulties at Cibona forced a change in February 2016, when Zubac left the team to sign with Mega Leks of Serbia. This move, while prompted by unfortunate circumstances, ultimately helped increase his visibility to NBA scouts ahead of the draft. His performances with Mega Leks solidified his status as a legitimate NBA prospect, showcasing his traditional center skills in an era when many big men were moving toward perimeter-oriented play.
Zubac’s development wasn’t limited to his club teams. He proudly represented Croatia in international youth competitions, demonstrating his potential on global stages. During the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship, he gained valuable experience representing the Croatian junior national team.
He made an even bigger impact at the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Greece, where he averaged an impressive 17.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per contest. These performances earned him All-World Championship Under-19 Second Team honors from the European basketball website eurobasket.com.
His international resume continued to grow at the 2015 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, where he dominated with averages of 15.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game. Once again, his outstanding play was recognized with selection to the all-tournament second team. These international tournaments provided Zubac with high-pressure competitive experience that would serve him well in his future NBA career.
Throughout his early career in Europe, Zubac displayed the fundamentals that would later define his NBA game. He showed a soft touch around the basket, strong rebounding instincts, and defensive timing that suggested potential as a rim protector. While not the most athletic center prospect, his size, skill, and basketball IQ compensated for any limitations in explosiveness or lateral quickness.
By the time the 2016 NBA Draft approached, Zubac had established himself as an intriguing prospect for NBA teams. His traditional center skills and productive international experience made him a potential value pick for teams looking to add size.
Though not projected as a lottery selection, many analysts viewed him as a player with a high floor who could develop into a reliable rotation player with the right coaching and development plan.
Professional Career
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Ivica Zubac with the 32nd overall pick in the second round of the 2016 NBA Draft. On July 7, 2016, he signed with the Lakers and joined the team for the 2016 NBA Summer League, giving him his first taste of American basketball. Zubac made his NBA debut on November 2, 2016, scoring six points as the fill-in starter for Timofey Mozgov in a 123-116 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
His rookie season with the Lakers featured limited playing time initially, as he appeared in only 10 NBA games over the first half of the season. However, he began to show flashes of his potential as opportunities increased.
On January 17, 2017, Zubac recorded his first NBA double-double against the Denver Nuggets, scoring 11 points and grabbing a team-high 13 rebounds while also blocking three shots. Though the Lakers lost 127-121, Zubac had demonstrated his capabilities at the highest level.
March 2017 proved to be a breakthrough month for the rookie center. On March 12, he contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and a season-high four blocked shots in a narrow 118-116 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The very next night, Zubac delivered his best performance of the season, scoring a career-high 25 points on efficient 12-of-15 shooting while adding 11 rebounds in a 129-101 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Unfortunately, his promising rookie campaign was cut short when a high ankle sprain in his right ankle sidelined him for the remainder of the season on March 31.
Throughout his rookie year, Zubac shuttled between the NBA and the development league, with multiple assignments to the Los Angeles D-Fenders (later renamed the South Bay Lakers). This pattern continued into his second season (2017-18), as limited playing time with the main squad led to additional G League assignments to keep him sharp and continue his development.
A significant career shift came on February 7, 2019, when the Lakers traded Zubac and Michael Beasley to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Mike Muscala. This trade would prove pivotal in Zubac’s career trajectory, as he quickly established himself as a key contributor for the Clippers.
He became part of their regular rotation during the final stretch of the 2018-19 season and experienced playoff basketball for the first time when the Clippers qualified for the postseason.
The 2019-20 season saw Zubac continuing to develop as a reliable presence in the Clippers’ frontcourt. On February 22, 2020, he pulled down a season-high 15 rebounds in just 20 minutes of action against the Sacramento Kings, showcasing his efficiency on the glass. Less than two weeks later, on March 5, he delivered a perfect 6-for-6 shooting performance against the Houston Rockets, scoring a season-high 17 points while adding 12 rebounds and a block.
Zubac made NBA history on August 6, 2020, during the NBA’s Orlando bubble restart. Against the Dallas Mavericks, he recorded 21 points and 15 rebounds on 100% shooting in just 24 minutes of play in a 126-111 victory. This performance made him the first player in the shot clock era to achieve 20+ points and 15+ rebounds on 100% shooting in under 30 minutes of playing time, highlighting his remarkable efficiency.
The 2020-21 season featured continued growth for Zubac. On February 15, 2021, he scored a season-high 22 points alongside 8 rebounds in a 125-118 win over the Miami Heat. Later that season, he contributed significantly to the Clippers’ playoff run, helping the franchise reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time in its history before they ultimately fell to the Phoenix Suns.
January 19, 2022, marked another career milestone when Zubac exploded for a career-high 32 points and added 10 rebounds in a thrilling 130-128 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets. The 2021-22 season as a whole represented Zubac’s most consistent campaign to date, as he started a career-high 76 games and averaged career-bests of 10.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
The Clippers recognized Zubac’s value by signing him to a three-year, $33 million contract extension on June 28, 2022. He rewarded their faith with continued strong play, including a remarkable performance on November 27, 2022, when he dominated the Indiana Pacers with 31 points and a career-high 29 rebounds in a 114-110 victory.
The 2023-24 season saw Zubac maintain his reliable production while continuing to serve as a defensive anchor for the Clippers. His playoff experience grew when he delivered a playoff career-high 20 points along with 15 rebounds in a 109-97 first-round victory against the Dallas Mavericks on April 21, 2024.
Recognizing his continued development and importance to the team’s success, the Clippers agreed to another contract extension with Zubac on August 30, 2024. This three-year, $58.6 million deal represented a significant raise and cemented his status as a cornerstone of the franchise moving forward.
The 2024-25 season has seen Zubac elevate his game to new heights, averaging career-high numbers in points, rebounds, and assists while improving his overall impact on both ends of the court.
Throughout his NBA journey, Zubac has transformed from a developmental second-round pick into a reliable starting center. His improvement has been steady rather than spectacular, building his game through consistent refinement of fundamentals rather than flashy highlights.
This approach has earned him increasing respect from teammates, opponents, and NBA observers who recognize the value of his reliable production and professional approach to the game.
Wife
Ivica Zubac is happily married to Kristina Prišč, whom he wed on August 24, 2021, after dating for several years. Kristina, born on May 1, 1992, in Orahovica, Croatia, is five years older than Ivica and works as a model.
The couple’s relationship predates Zubac’s NBA career, with sources indicating they have been together for approximately ten years, showing the strength and longevity of their bond.
Their relationship has stood the test of long distances and the challenges that come with professional sports careers. During Zubac’s early days with the Lakers, when he was adjusting to life in a new country, Kristina was an important source of support and stability.
A Los Angeles Times article from January 2017 mentioned Kristina visiting Ivica after a game at Staples Center, highlighting their connection even during his rookie season.
The couple had a beautiful wedding in Croatia in August 2021, celebrating with family and friends in their home country. Their relationship appears to be very private, as they maintain a low profile compared to many other NBA couples. While Kristina does have a social media presence, they generally keep their personal life away from the public spotlight.
Based on available information, Ivica and Kristina do not yet have children. They continue to build their life together in Los Angeles, where Zubac has now established himself as a mainstay with the Clippers organization. Their shared Croatian heritage provides a strong cultural foundation for their relationship as they navigate life in the United States.
Ivica Zubac’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Ivica Zubac’s his career earnings have surpassed $57 million. His financial position continues to strengthen with his recent contract extension and increasing prominence in the league.
Contract
Zubac’s financial trajectory took a major step forward in August 2024 when he signed a three-year, $58,650,480 contract extension with the Los Angeles Clippers. This extension begins in the 2025-26 season and runs through 2027-28, all years fully guaranteed.
The deal includes annual salary increases, starting at $18,102,000 in 2025-26, rising to $19,550,160 in 2026-27, and reaching $20,998,320 in the final year of the contract. This extension significantly improves upon his previous three-year, $32.8 million deal with the Clippers, reflecting his increased value to the organization and continued development as a player.
Salary
For the current 2024-25 season, Zubac is earning $11,743,210, which makes him the fifth-highest paid player on the Clippers roster. This represents a 7.4 percent increase from his 2023-24 salary of $10,933,333.
In terms of league-wide salary rankings, Zubac currently stands as the 143rd highest-paid NBA player overall and the 21st highest-paid center, positions that will improve significantly once his extension kicks in next season.
His salary currently accounts for 8.27 percent of the Clippers’ salary cap, demonstrating his importance to the team’s financial structure.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | Los Angeles Lakers | $1,034,956 |
| 2017-18 | Los Angeles Lakers | $1,312,611 |
| 2018-19 | Los Angeles Lakers/LA Clippers | $1,544,951 |
| 2019-20 | LA Clippers | $6,481,482 |
| 2020-21 | LA Clippers | $7,000,000 |
| 2021-22 | LA Clippers | $7,518,518 |
| 2022-23 | LA Clippers | $10,123,457 |
| 2023-24 | LA Clippers | $10,933,333 |
| 2024-25 | LA Clippers | $11,743,210 |
| 2025-26 | LA Clippers | $18,102,000 |
| 2026-27 | LA Clippers | $19,550,160 |
| 2027-28 | LA Clippers | $20,998,320 |
| Total Career Earnings | $116,343,000 |
Endorsements
specific information about Zubac’s sponsorship portfolio is limited in the available sources. As a center who doesn’t typically generate highlight-reel plays or maintain a high-profile social media presence, his endorsement opportunities may be more limited than some of the league’s flashier stars.
However, as his on-court production continues to improve and his recognition grows among NBA fans, particularly after standout performances like his 31-point, 29-rebound game against the Pacers, his marketability may increase.
European players often maintain endorsement deals in their home countries even if they don’t secure major American sponsorships, so Zubac may have partnerships with Croatian or European brands that aren’t widely publicized in North American media.
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | PTS | FG% | 3P% | FT% | REB | AST | STL | BLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | Los Angeles Lakers | 38 | 11 | 16.0 | 7.5 | 52.9 | 0.0 | 65.3 | 4.2 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.9 |
| 2017-18 | Los Angeles Lakers | 43 | 0 | 9.5 | 3.7 | 50.0 | 0.0 | 76.5 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| 2018-19 | Los Angeles Lakers | 33 | 12 | 15.6 | 8.5 | 58.0 | 0.0 | 86.4 | 4.9 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.8 |
| 2018-19 | LA Clippers | 26 | 25 | 20.2 | 9.4 | 53.8 | 0.0 | 73.3 | 7.7 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.9 |
| 2019-20 | LA Clippers | 72 | 70 | 18.4 | 8.3 | 61.3 | 0.0 | 74.7 | 7.5 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.9 |
| 2020-21 | LA Clippers | 72 | 33 | 22.3 | 9.0 | 65.2 | 25.0 | 78.9 | 7.2 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.9 |
| 2021-22 | LA Clippers | 76 | 76 | 24.4 | 10.3 | 62.6 | 0.0 | 72.7 | 8.5 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 1.0 |
| 2022-23 | LA Clippers | 76 | 76 | 28.6 | 10.8 | 63.4 | 0.0 | 69.7 | 9.9 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 1.1 |
| 2023-24 | LA Clippers | 68 | 68 | 26.5 | 11.7 | 64.9 | 0.0 | 70.9 | 9.2 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 1.2 |
| 2024-25 | LA Clippers | 74 | 74 | 32.7 | 16.5 | 62.3 | 0.0 | 65.2 | 12.5 | 2.6 | 0.7 | 1.2 |
| Career | 578 | 445 | 22.3 | 9.8 | 61.4 | 5.0 | 73.2 | 7.5 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.9 |
FAQs
1. What is Ivica Zubac’s background and nationality?
Ivica Zubac was born on March 18, 1997, in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. While born in Bosnia, he identifies as Croatian and represents the Croatian national basketball team. He grew up in Citluk, a small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina near the Croatian border.
2. How tall is Ivica Zubac and what position does he play?
Ivica Zubac stands 7 feet tall (2.13 meters) and weighs 240 pounds (109 kg). He plays center for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. His 7’4″ wingspan makes him an effective rim protector and rebounder in the paint.
3. What teams has Ivica Zubac played for in the NBA?
Ivica Zubac has played for two NBA teams. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016 and played there until February 2019, when he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers along with Michael Beasley in exchange for Mike Muscala.
4. What are Ivica Zubac’s career-high statistics?
Ivica Zubac scored a career-high 35 points against Phoenix on March 5, 2025. His career-high in rebounds is 29, achieved against the Indiana Pacers on November 27, 2022. He also recorded 32 points against the Denver Nuggets in January 2022.
5. What is Ivica Zubac’s current contract situation?
In August 2024, Zubac signed a three-year, $58.6 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Clippers. This extension will keep him with the team through the 2027-28 season with an average annual salary of approximately $19.55 million.
6. What European teams did Ivica Zubac play for before the NBA?
Before joining the NBA, Zubac played for Zrinjevac in Croatia’s second division (2013-2014), then Cibona in Croatia’s top league (2014-2016) with a loan spell at Gorica in 2015. His final European stop was with Mega Leks in Serbia in 2016.
7. What is Ivica Zubac’s rating in NBA 2K25?
In NBA 2K25, Ivica Zubac has an overall rating of 88 with a Paint Beast build. He has 13 total badges with 7 at Gold level. His best attribute is rebounding, with a 92 Defensive Rebounding Rating and an 80 Driving Dunk Rating.
8. Is Ivica Zubac married?
Yes, Ivica Zubac married model Kristina Prišč in August 2021. Limited information is available about their relationship, but they’ve been together for several years.
9. What are Ivica Zubac’s current season statistics?
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Zubac is averaging 16.5 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. This represents significant improvement from previous seasons, with career highs in both scoring and rebounding categories.
10. Which NBA players did Ivica Zubac admire growing up?
Growing up, Zubac was a huge Lakers fan, particularly admiring Kobe Bryant. He would stay up until 6:30 AM in Croatia watching Lakers games, often making him late for school. He also liked Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol, and had Ron Artest’s jersey.
