Lakers News: Ivica Zubac details his difficult journey to the NBA

Most followers of the Los Angeles Lakers know that fan-favorite Ivica Zubac grew up as a fan of the team, but his journey towards the purple and gold was never a sure thing. The Croatian big man told Spectrum Sportsnet’s “Backstage Lakers” that he had to show perseverance in order to make his dreams come true, going pro at age 14 in order to chase his NBA shot.

“The conditions were not very good, but I wanted to become good player, so nothing could stop me,” Zubac said. “It was hard, but I always knew it was my dream and what I had to do to have success.”

Motivating Zubac was a man most Lakers fans have in their own personal “musecages” as well.

“First thing I knew about the NBA was Kobe Bryant and L.A. Lakers,” Zubac said, telling the camera crew about the jerseys he owned growing up, and how he started following the Lakers because they were the best team in the league, and Bryant was the best player.

The other reason is probably one fans will like as well.

“I always liked Pau Gasol’s game,” Zubac said.

It was the type of stuff that makes Zubac so beloved amongs the fanbase, and even Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss was evidently moved by the segment:

Buss has probably already met Zubac’s adopted father Larry Nance, Jr., but he said he wants to have her meet his birth parents as well:

However, if he does bring Buss out to visit his family, he should probably make sure he doesn’t get locked up by a kid again:

The whole segment was fun, and anyone interested can watch it here.

Harrison Faigen is co-host of the Locked on Lakers podcast (subscribe here), and you can follow him on Twitter at @hmfaigen.