Kareem's Missed Mentorship: Zubac Shares Remarkable Lakers Story

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Legacy

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is not just an NBA icon; he's a pivotal piece of Los Angeles Lakers history, having clinched five NBA championships as a player. He played 14 seasons with the franchise and later served as an assistant coach from 2005 to 2011, influencing countless lives and careers along the way.

Even a decade ago, as the Lakers were navigating a post–Kobe Bryant world, Abdul-Jabbar made a valiant attempt to impart his wisdom. At that time, Ivica Zubac was a rising center, drafted in the 2016 NBA Draft as the No. 32 pick. His journey in the league was just beginning, and he reportedly drew interest from the living legend.

A Potential Mentor-Mentee Relationship

In an interview with X&O's Chat, Zubac shared the surprising details of how Abdul-Jabbar reached out, expressing a desire to mentor him. “After a few workouts, he told me he wanted to mentor me and work for the Lakers,” Zubac explained.

“He had a meeting with Magic [Johnson], and I don't know what happened there, but he never got a job with the Lakers.”

This raises questions about the Lakers' decision-making at that time. Here was a mentorship opportunity with one of basketball's greatest minds—to guide young, promising players through the complexities of the NBA landscape—and it slipped through the team's grasp.

The Struggles Beyond the Lakers

It's telling that this wasn't a one-off. Abdul-Jabbar, despite his accolades, was sidelined in subsequent coaching opportunities as well. He was overlooked for head coaching roles by prestigious programs like UCLA and teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks, both of which he once called home.

This trend hints at a larger issue within professional sports—how systems may overlook seasoned veterans with invaluable experience simply due to not fitting the mold of today's coaching archetype.

Ivica Zubac's Development in the League

Fast forward to 2019, Zubac was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite limited minutes during his time with the Lakers, he quickly proved his value, adapting and thriving in a competitive environment.

During the 2024-25 season, Zubac notched a career-high of 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds over 80 games, earning All-Defensive Second Team honors. His resilience in adapting to a new team indicates a robust framework of support, albeit not initially from the Lakers.

A New Challenge with the Pacers

Recently, Zubac was traded to the Indiana Pacers alongside Kobe Brown in exchange for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and additional draft picks. Currently, he's on the sidelines due to an ankle injury and paternity leave, just as the Pacers grapple with a challenging season.

The team sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 15–40 record, but Zubac's return will give him an opportunity to solidify his status as one of the league's promising centers.

Reflections on Missed Opportunities

The story of Zubac and Abdul-Jabbar serves as a poignant reminder of how relationships and mentorships can reshape careers—and how often they are overlooked in the fast-paced world of professional sports. For aspiring players and coaches alike, it begs a critical question: Are teams fostering environments where experience and wisdom can flow freely, or are we simply letting such opportunities slip through our fingers?

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