When it was announced that JaVale McGee would not suit up for the Los Angeles Lakers for the third consecutive game because of a respiratory infection, almost everyone assumed Walton would start Tyson Chandler, who had started in the two previous games McGee was sidelined for.
Instead, Walton threw fans a curveball and decided to start Ivica Zubac, who prior to Friday had only started 11 games in his career, all of which were during his rookie season. Perhaps a few years ago Walton’s decision wouldn’t have been met with such heavy criticism, but in the limited time Zubac has seen the floor this season, he’s looked lost and uncoordinated.