LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Clippers big man Ivica Zubac and New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram have come a long way from their years with the Los Angeles Lakers. Ingram has developed into an all-around All-Star for the Pelicans, while Zubac has turned into one of the best defensive big men who can score the ball if needed for the Clippers.

The two started their NBA careers together with the Lakers coming from very different backgrounds. Ingram was selected second overall by the Lakers in the 2016 NBA Draft while Zubac was selected 30 picks later with the 32nd overall pick.

The duo played two-and-a-half seasons together with the Lakers until the Magic Johnson-led front office traded Ivica Zubac to the Los Angeles Lakers for Mike Muscala. With LeBron James on their side, the Lakers were concerned about having to pay Zubac in the offseason and opted to pursue a shooting big man.

The Lakers ended up missing the playoffs that season while Zubac helped the Clippers to the postseason. In the offseason, the Lakers traded Brandon Ingram in a package to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for superstar Anthony Davis, who had been holding out after months of rumors that he wanted a trade to Los Angeles.

Since the two went their separate ways, Brandon Ingram leads Ivica Zubac, 6-5, in the head-to-head battle, including a 2-0 record against him this season. In total, the Pelicans have won eight of the last nine games against the Clippers, including the play-in game ahead of the 2022 postseason.

Prior to the the last Clippers-Pelicans game, Zubac and Ingram reunited during pregame warm ups, sharing an embrace and a laugh.

“I actually haven't talked to him in a while,” Brandon Ingram said of Ivica Zubac. “But every time I see him I smile just because I know how hard he works and everything that we've gone through with the lakers. Being over there two-three years and just seeing him grow. I've seen the confidence that he has in his game, and what they do for him with the Clippers and I'm just happy for his success and everything he's got.”

Asked to specify where Zubac has grown the most over the years, Ingram said it starts with his confidence.

“Confidence. His confidence. Him being able to guard the rim and rebound the basketball. He's gotten stronger, but he was already strong. When he first came in the league, setting good screens and rolling. He's a good, high IQ player.”

The Clippers and Pelicans will play for the final time this season on Saturday, April 1st. Los Angeles (41-37) will try to create further separation from the Pelicans (39-38) in the standings with a win.