Lakers’ Costly 2019 Trade Continues to Haunt Them in 2025 Amid Frontcourt Crisis

Looking back from 2025, one of the most lopsided trades in recent NBA history continues to haunt the Los Angeles Lakers — a deal made in February 2019 with their city rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. At the time, the Lakers traded 21-year-old Ivica Zubac and Michael Beasley to the Clippers in exchange for Mike Muscala. The intention was to clear space and add a shooter for a playoff push, but what seemed like a minor move has turned into a painful regret.

Zubac, now 28, is having a career-best season with the Clippers. His performance in the 2024–25 regular season has been nothing short of stellar, averaging 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game on a highly efficient 62.8% shooting from the field. He has also posted personal bests in advanced metrics, including 11.7 total win shares, with 7.0 offensive and 4.7 defensive. His win shares per 48 minutes sits at an elite 0.215 — a testament to his impact on both ends of the floor. His growth from a promising role player to a key contributor is especially glaring when compared to Muscala’s brief and forgettable stint with the Lakers — just 17 games before he moved on to Oklahoma City.

This trade now stings even more in light of the Lakers’ current frontcourt struggles. Since acquiring Luka Dončić in a blockbuster trade that cost them Anthony Davis, the Lakers have found themselves severely lacking in reliable big men. In a recent loss to the Utah Jazz, where their six-game winning streak was snapped in a 131–119 defeat, their deficiencies in the paint were exposed. The Jazz outscored the Lakers 54 to 36 in the paint, with standout performances from Utah’s frontcourt players like Lauri Markkanen (32 points) and Walker Kessler (16 points, 8 rebounds, 6 blocks).

Meanwhile, the Lakers’ remaining big men failed to rise to the challenge. Jackson Hayes had to leave the game early due to a facial injury, and Alex Len, thrust into extended minutes, managed just 4 points and 7 rebounds in 23 minutes. The failure of the Mark Williams trade due to medical concerns only compounds the issue. With no dependable starting-caliber center, the Lakers face the daunting prospect of matching up in the playoffs against elite big men like Nikola Jokić, Alperen Şengün, Domantas Sabonis, Jaren Jackson Jr., Rudy Gobert, Victor Wembanyama — and ironically, Ivica Zubac.

Head coach JJ Redick acknowledged the team’s bench struggles and the tough situations faced by their two-way players, particularly in the frontcourt. While Luka Dončić is seen as a long-term franchise cornerstone, his 16-point performance with five turnovers against Utah highlighted the team’s need for better balance and support inside.

As the Clippers surge forward with a 50-32 record despite losing Paul George, Zubac’s emergence is a symbol of patience paying off. For Lakers fans, however, each dominant performance by Zubac is a painful reminder of what could have been — a lesson in valuing young talent and the dangers of short-term thinking.