Kings’ Sabonis and LaVine Season-Ending Surgeries Signal Full Rebuild
The Sacramento Kings’ already challenging 2025-26 NBA season has taken another hit, with both Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine undergoing season-ending surgeries. The news effectively signals a full commitment to rebuilding for the franchise, which currently holds the NBA’s worst record at 12-44.
Sabonis to Address Lingering Knee Injury
Domantas Sabonis will undergo surgery to repair a lingering meniscus injury in his left knee. He initially suffered the tear in mid-November ESPN, attempting to rehabilitate the injury and play through the pain. Despite appearing in 19 games this season, averaging 15.8 points and 11.4 rebounds per game CBS Sports, the decision was made to proceed with surgery to ensure a full recovery before the 2026-27 season.
LaVine Undergoes Hand Surgery
Zach LaVine will have surgery to repair a tendon tear in his right hand. LaVine, who led the Kings in scoring with 19.2 points per game in 39 appearances CBS Sports, suffered the injury earlier in February. He has a $48.9 million player option for next season and is expected to opt in ESPN.
Kings Focused on the Future
With both players sidelined, the Kings’ focus shifts to positioning for the upcoming NBA draft lottery. The team owns the league’s worst record and is in a crowded race for the top lottery odds CBS Sports. The franchise will likely revisit trade discussions involving both Sabonis and LaVine during the offseason, according to reports ESPN.
Impact on the Tanking Race
The absences of Sabonis and LaVine are expected to further diminish the Kings’ on-court performance, solidifying their position at the bottom of the Western Conference standings Sports Illustrated. The team has already lost 14 consecutive games and is unlikely to significantly improve its record in the remaining games of the season.
Sabonis had been a reliable player, having played at least 62 games in each year of his professional career before this season. LaVine provided a crucial perimeter scoring threat, averaging 19.2 points per game entering the All-Star break Sports Illustrated.