Brook Lopez has only been with the Los Angeles Clippers for a short time, but he is already making it clear how highly he regards his new frontcourt partner, Ivica Zubac.
Speaking with reporters, Lopez praised the 28-year-old center’s development and defensive impact. “I think that we complement each other very well… he’s become such a great player. Absolutely a candidate for DPOY this year. And he still has even more room to grow, which is just scary to think,” Lopez said, via Law Murray of The Athletic.
Lopez, who signed a two-year, $18 million contract with the Clippers on July 6, brings over 1,100 games of NBA experience and a championship background from his time in Milwaukee. He has long been recognized as one of the league’s best rim protectors, finishing his 2024–25 season with the Bucks averaging 1.9 blocks per game.
Zubac is coming off the best year of his career in Los Angeles. The 28-year-old center averaged 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 80 games during the 2024–25 season. He followed that with a strong playoff showing, putting up 17.4 points and 10.1 rebounds across seven games.
Lopez’s comments add to the growing recognition of Zubac’s defensive ability. While Kawhi Leonard has often been the focus in past years, Zubac’s interior presence has become a consistent anchor for the Clippers’ defense. His rebounding and rim protection were pivotal as Los Angeles advanced to the postseason last year.
By pairing Lopez and Zubac, head coach Tyronn Lue now has the flexibility to deploy two traditional centers or rotate them depending on matchups. Lopez’s ability to stretch the floor as a three-point shooter gives the Clippers options in lineups that require spacing, while Zubac’s physicality inside allows the team to control the paint.
The Clippers are entering the 2025–26 season with one of the league’s deepest rosters. Alongside Zubac and Lopez, the frontcourt features John Collins and Derrick Jones Jr., with stars James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Bradley Beal leading the perimeter.
