The trials and tribulations of the 2016-17 NBA season was a stepping-stone for the Los Angeles Lakers, as the young core logged in some much-needed experience on the court. Brandon Ingram, Ivica Zubac, and Larry Nance Jr. all saw their roles develop throughout the season, as they got acclimated playing with one another.
Out of the entire young core, perhaps Zubac showed the most growth during the season, consistently showing improved results when on the court. After initial stints in the D-League, now known as the G-League, head coach Luke Walton decided to insert him against other NBA centers, as part of the experimental phase of the season.