Ivica Zubac Out for Season After Suffering Ankle Injury vs. Timberwolves

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Friday that center Ivica Zubac will miss the remainder of the 2016-17 season due to a right high ankle sprain.

Zubac suffered the injury during the first quarter of L.A.'s 119-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday.

The 20-year-old rookie appeared in 38 games this season, averaging 7.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per contest.

Zubac made 11 starts and saw increased action after veteran Timofey Mozgov was shut down for the rest of the season to create more opportunities for younger players.

The 7'1" Croatian established himself as a valuable rotational player and a potential part of the Lakers' future core.

With Zubac out, Tarik Black is the only true center remaining on the active roster, and the 25-year-old figures to be a key player for L.A. down the stretch.

The Lakers own the worst record in the Western Conference at 21-54.