Ivica Zubac opened up about the challenges of playing in Los Angeles, highlighting the off-court pressures that can affect NBA careers. “People don’t realize how much goes on in the NBA… And whenever you go out or whatever, there are really people just waiting to drag you into trouble. And in L.A., especially… anything can happen,” Zubac said on the X&O’s Chat, via HoopsHype.
The 28-year-old center joined the Indiana Pacers in a major trade with the LA Clippers at the 2026 NBA trade deadline. Indiana sent Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, a 2026 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and an unprotected 2029 first-round selection to acquire Zubac and Kobe Brown.
Zubac reflected on the influence of teammates’ off-court habits. “I saw a lot of teammates — what they were doing, how much they were going out… Yeah. And that really affects some players,” he said, noting that even talented players’ careers can be derailed by distractions.
The trade represents a pivotal moment for the Pacers, who pivoted toward veteran leadership and playoff readiness after Tyrese Haliburton suffered a season-ending torn Achilles. Zubac’s experience, including multiple playoff runs in Los Angeles, adds depth to Indiana’s frontcourt alongside Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and James Wiseman.
The Pacers currently sit last in the Eastern Conference at 13–40, but management expects Zubac to bring stability and veteran presence to a rebuilding roster.
