Brief Introduction of Ivica Zubac
Ivica Zubac is a Croatian professional basketball player who currently plays as a center for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on March 18, 1997, in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zubac has established himself as a formidable presence in the paint, known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and efficient scoring. He was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 32nd overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. After a few seasons with the Lakers, he was traded to the Clippers in 2019, where he has since become a key component of their roster, helping the team reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history during the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Standing at 7 feet tall, Zubac’s journey from a young prospect in Europe to a starting center in the NBA is a testament to his dedication and continuous improvement.
Ivica Zubac Overview
| Full Name | Ivica Zubac |
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1997 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 28 |
| Birthplace | Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Kristina Zubac (née Prišč) |
| Family | Ivan Zubac (Father), Zoran Planinić (Cousin) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be over $57 million (based on career earnings) |
Early Life and Education of Ivica Zubac
Ivica Zubac was born in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and was raised in the nearby town of Čitluk, which is close to the Croatian border. Despite being born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, he holds dual citizenship and strongly identifies as Croatian. His father, Ivan Zubac, was a significant influence on his early life and basketball development. Zubac’s passion for basketball was ignited at a young age, partly inspired by his cousin, Zoran Planinić, a former professional basketball player who also played in the NBA. At the age of seven, he began practicing with older children, quickly showcasing his potential. By the time he was 13, his talent was recognized by Cibona, a top Croatian club, which invited him to a tournament. This opportunity led to him moving to Zagreb, Croatia, to continue his development and start high school, a challenging step that required him to live away from his family at a young age. His early basketball education took place within the youth systems of Croatian clubs, laying the foundation for his professional career. Information regarding his formal education beyond high school is not publicly available.
Ivica Zubac’s Career
Ivica Zubac’s professional career began in Europe, where he played for several clubs before making his way to the NBA. He started in the youth system of Cibona and played for Zrinjevac in the second Croatian division during the 2013–14 season. He then joined Cibona’s senior team, competing in Croatia’s A-1 League, the ABA League, and the FIBA Europe Cup. In February 2016, due to financial issues at Cibona, he moved to the Serbian team Mega Leks.
NBA Career
Zubac’s journey in the NBA commenced when he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 32nd overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. He signed with the Lakers in July 2016 and made his NBA debut on November 2 of that year, scoring six points as a starter against the Atlanta Hawks. During his rookie season, he showed promise, recording his first double-double in January 2017 with 11 points and 13 rebounds against the Denver Nuggets. He also had a standout performance in March 2017, scoring a then-career-high 25 points against the same team. Over his tenure with the Lakers, Zubac also had several assignments with their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers (formerly the D-Fenders), to gain more playing experience.
On February 7, 2019, Zubac was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, a move that would prove to be a significant turning point in his career. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Clippers, becoming their starting center and helping them reach the playoffs in his first season with the team. His performance has steadily improved with the Clippers. On August 6, 2020, he had a remarkable game against the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 21 points and grabbing 15 rebounds on perfect 100% shooting, becoming the first player in the shot-clock era to achieve such a stat line in under 30 minutes. He continued to set new career highs, including a 32-point, 10-rebound game against the Denver Nuggets in January 2022. A particularly dominant performance came on November 27, 2022, when he recorded 31 points and a career-high 29 rebounds against the Indiana Pacers. During the 2021 NBA Playoffs, Zubac was instrumental in the Clippers’ historic run to the Western Conference Finals. In recent years, he has continued to be a reliable force for the team. In August 2024, he signed a three-year, $58.6 million contract extension, securing his place with the Clippers through the 2027-28 season.
National Team Career
Zubac has also represented Croatia on the international stage. He played for the Croatian junior national team at the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship. At the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Championship, he averaged 17.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, earning a silver medal and a spot on the All-World Championship Under-19 Second Team. He also excelled at the 2015 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, averaging 15.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks.
Ivica Zubac Personal Life & Family
Ivica Zubac is married to Kristina Zubac (née Prišč). The couple tied the knot in August 2021 in a ceremony in Mali Lošinj, Croatia, after being in a long-term relationship. Kristina, who holds a master’s degree in journalism and was a finalist for Miss Universe Croatia, is also an accomplished equestrian and owns a prestigious horse breeding farm in Croatia. The couple reportedly lives in Los Angeles, where Kristina designed the interior of their home. As of now, it has not been publicly announced whether they have any children. Zubac maintains a close connection to his Croatian roots and family. His father, Ivan Zubac, played a pivotal role in his early basketball development. He is also the cousin of former NBA player Zoran Planinić.
Awards and Achievements of Ivica Zubac
- NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2025)
- FIBA U19 World Championship Silver Medal (2015)
- All-World Championship Under-19 Second Team (2015)
- FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship All-Tournament Second Team (2015)
Ivica Zubac Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, while an exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, Ivica Zubac’s career earnings from the NBA have surpassed $75 million. His income is primarily derived from his NBA contracts. He signed a rookie contract with the Lakers in 2016. After being traded to the Clippers, he signed a three-year, $21 million contract. This was followed by a three-year, $33 million extension in June 2022. Most recently, in August 2024, Zubac agreed to a significant three-year, $58.6 million contract extension with the Clippers. This latest contract, which runs through the 2027-28 season, will see his annual salary increase, starting at $18,102,000 in the 2025-26 season. These substantial contracts are the main contributors to his growing net worth.
Legacy and Influence
Ivica Zubac has carved out a legacy as a reliable and durable starting center in the NBA. His journey from a second-round draft pick to an integral part of a contending team serves as an inspiration for many young European players aspiring to make it in the league. Zubac’s influence is most felt through his consistent on-court production, particularly his rebounding, interior defense, and high-efficiency scoring. He has evolved from a raw prospect into a polished big man, demonstrating significant improvement year after year. His work ethic and “be a star in your role” mentality, a piece of advice he values highly, have been key to his success. He has become a fan favorite and a respected player within the Clippers organization, contributing to their first-ever appearance in the Western Conference Finals. As he enters the prime of his career, his impact on the game, especially for the Clippers franchise, is poised to grow even further.
Interesting Facts about Ivica Zubac
- His cousin, Zoran Planinić, is a former NBA player who played for the New Jersey Nets.
- He holds dual citizenship in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia but identifies as Croatian.
- His NBA debut with the Lakers was as a starter, filling in for an injured Timofey Mozgov, and he played against one of his childhood favorite players, Dwight Howard.
- He moved away from his family at the age of 13 to pursue his basketball career in Zagreb.
- On November 27, 2022, he had a monster game with 31 points and 29 rebounds, narrowly missing a 30-30 game.
- His wife, Kristina, is a former Miss Universe Croatia finalist and runs a successful horse breeding business.
Controversies
Information not publicly available. Ivica Zubac has maintained a relatively low-profile and controversy-free career in the NBA.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – ivicazubac
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Ivica Zubac
Ivica Zubac’s career is a compelling narrative of steady growth and resilience. From his early days in Croatia to becoming a cornerstone for the Los Angeles Clippers, he has consistently defied expectations. Having secured a long-term contract extension, his future with the Clippers looks bright as he continues to be a vital part of their championship aspirations. His journey underscores the importance of hard work, adapting to new environments, and maximizing one’s role within a team structure. As a player who has improved every season, Zubac’s prime years are still ahead of him, and he is well-positioned to leave a lasting mark as one of the premier centers in the NBA and a proud representative of Croatian basketball.