Anshari Taslim
The Sacramento Kings have officially announced that two of their highest-paid players, Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, have undergone season-ending surgeries, effectively concluding their campaigns amidst what has become a profoundly challenging year for the franchise. The news underscores the Kings’ current predicament, holding the National Basketball Association’s worst record at 12-44, with the remainder of the 2025-26 season now squarely focused on securing optimal lottery odds for the upcoming draft.
Domantas Sabonis, the team’s prominent center, underwent surgery to address a persistent meniscus injury in his left knee. The decision to proceed with surgery came after extensive attempts at rehabilitation and playing through the discomfort proved unsustainable. Sabonis had been battling the knee issue for a significant portion of the season, a factor that likely contributed to his limited availability and performance. Typically a durable presence, Sabonis will conclude his season with just 19 appearances, a stark contrast to his career average of playing at least 62 games in every professional season prior to this one. In his curtailed tenure this season, he averaged 15.8 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, showcasing his customary double-double threat despite the injury. His absence deprives the Kings of their primary interior presence and playmaking hub from the high post. Meniscus injuries, while common in professional sports, require careful rehabilitation to ensure full recovery and prevent recurrence, often involving a recovery period of several months depending on the severity and surgical approach.
Sabonis’ name had been a frequent subject of trade discussions leading up to the league’s trade deadline, with reports linking him to potential suitors such as the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards. Teams were reportedly interested in his unique skill set as a scoring, rebounding, and passing big man. Despite the swirling rumors, the Kings ultimately retained Sabonis, a decision that now sees him enter the offseason recovering from surgery. This development is expected to reignite trade speculation significantly during the summer months. With the Kings seemingly committed to a full-scale rebuild following this season’s deep struggles, Sabonis, a valuable asset on a long-term contract, is almost assuredly poised to be a central figure in further trade discussions as Sacramento seeks to recalibrate its roster and accelerate its timeline toward competitiveness. The nature of his injury and subsequent surgery will undoubtedly be a key consideration for any potential trade partners, impacting his perceived value and the assets the Kings could command in return.
Zach LaVine, the Kings’ leading scorer for the season, also underwent surgery to repair a tendon tear in his finger. The injury, sustained in early February, was diagnosed as requiring surgical intervention, effectively ending his season prematurely. LaVine appeared in 39 games for Sacramento, averaging 19.2 points per contest, showcasing his offensive prowess as a dynamic scorer and perimeter threat. His ability to create his own shot and provide instant offense had been a crucial, albeit often solitary, bright spot in the Kings’ otherwise anemic attack. A tendon tear in the finger can significantly impact a player’s shooting touch and ball-handling ability, necessitating a precise and dedicated rehabilitation protocol to restore full functionality.
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LaVine’s contractual situation adds another layer of complexity to his early exit. He is eligible to become a free agent this summer, but holds a substantial player option for the 2026-27 season valued at $48.9 million. This presents a critical decision point for the veteran guard. On one hand, he could opt out of his current deal in pursuit of a new, long-term contract, potentially at a lower annual salary, offering greater security. On the other, picking up his player option would guarantee him a significant salary for one more year with the Kings, allowing him to potentially re-enter the free-agent market in the summer of 2027, presumably with a full bill of health and an opportunity to boost his value. His decision will have significant ramifications for the Kings’ cap sheet and their flexibility in the upcoming offseason, as a $48.9 million commitment to an injured player on a rebuilding team would be a considerable financial burden.
The Kings’ abysmal 12-44 record is not merely a product of these recent injuries but rather the culmination of a season that has gone awry from the outset. The franchise had entered the 2025-26 campaign with aspirations far beyond bottom-dwelling, signaled by an active offseason that included shuffling financial assets to sign veteran point guard Dennis Schröder to a three-year, $45 million contract. The intention was clear: to infuse the roster with experienced talent and establish a competitive, veteran-led squad capable of contending for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
However, the ambitious plan quickly unravelled. The veteran-laden roster failed to coalesce, exhibiting consistent struggles on both ends of the court. Offensive efficiency plummeted, often ranking among the league’s worst in field goal percentage and assists, while defensive efforts were frequently porous, leading to easy scoring opportunities for opponents. The team’s chemistry appeared fractured, and key players struggled to find consistent roles or rhythm. The strategic signing of Dennis Schröder, intended to provide stability and secondary playmaking, ultimately proved ineffective, and the Kings "cut bait" on the deal just months into the season, trading him as part of a larger mid-season reshuffle to acquire draft capital and clear future salary commitments. This swift reversal on a significant offseason investment highlighted the severity of the team’s underperformance and the front office’s rapid pivot towards a rebuild.
With their two highest-paid players now sidelined, Sacramento finds itself firmly entrenched in a fierce "tank race" for the best possible lottery odds. The current standings place them in direct competition with several other struggling franchises, including the Washington Wizards (14-42), New Orleans Pelicans (15-41), Brooklyn Nets (15-40), Indiana Pacers (16-39), Utah Jazz (17-38), and Dallas Mavericks (18-37). The outcome of this race will significantly influence the Kings’ prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft, where securing a top-tier pick could provide a foundational piece for their future. The NBA’s draft lottery system, designed to flatten the odds for the worst teams, still heavily favors those with the absolute worst records, making every loss from this point forward strategically beneficial for the franchise’s long-term outlook.
As the Kings navigate the final stretch of the season without Sabonis and LaVine, the focus shifts entirely to player development for younger talents on the roster and strategic positioning for the draft. The latest developments are unlikely to quell the mounting frustration among the Kings’ loyal fanbase, who have endured decades of rebuilding efforts without sustained success. The offseason promises to be a pivotal one for the Sacramento Kings, with significant decisions looming regarding roster construction, coaching staff, and the strategic direction of a franchise desperate to escape its cycle of futility.
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