Should Clippers Fans Be Excited About the Next Coming of Lob City?
Chris Paul’s return to Los Angeles is sparking excitement for more than just nostalgia. The Clippers have stacked their roster with star talent, adding Paul, Bradley Beal, and John Collins to a core that already features Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac. Among all the big names, it is Zubac who has Paul the most excited. The veteran point guard has spent his career elevating big men, and he sees the same potential in Zubac that he saw in DeAndre Jordan, Blake Griffin, and Victor Wembanyama. Clippers fans might be witnessing the next chapter of Lob City, and Zubac could be its centerpiece.
During a recent conversation with former Clippers guard Lou Williams, Paul was candid about his enthusiasm. “I’ve always wanted to play with Zubac as a teammate,” he said. “Just getting the chance to see him up close, because with any team you put together, you’re never really sure how it’s going to come together.” That kind of praise from a future Hall of Famer speaks volumes. Zubac may not yet have household name recognition, but his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a perfect fit for a championship-caliber roster. Paul’s confidence suggests that Zubac could take his game to a whole new level in Los Angeles.
Zubac has quietly been one of the NBA’s most efficient big men. Last season, he averaged 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and nearly three assists per game while earning All-Defensive Second Team honors. His production surged to nearly 20 points per game after the All-Star break, showing continued improvement as he approaches the age of 29. With Paul and Harden sharing playmaking duties, Zubac can thrive in pick-and-roll situations, attack the rim, and dominate in the paint while defenses scramble to contain the Clippers’ other stars. This balance gives him a real chance to shine without carrying the full scoring load.
Chris Paul has a proven track record of turning talented big men into stars. From his work with David West in New Orleans to Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan in Los Angeles, and even Victor Wembanyama last season, Paul knows how to create opportunities that highlight a center’s strengths. With Zubac’s skill set and versatility, Clippers fans might be seeing Lob City magic return in a new form. For a team loaded with elite talent, it could be Zubac, guided by Paul, who emerges as the season’s most surprising star.
