The Sacramento Kings’ season has taken a significant turn, with both Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine undergoing season-ending surgeries this week. The news, confirmed on , and , effectively sidelines two of the team’s highest-paid players and signals a clear shift in focus towards the future for the struggling franchise.
Sabonis, a three-time All-Star, underwent surgery to address a lingering meniscus tear in his left knee. He had been attempting to rehabilitate the injury without surgical intervention, playing through discomfort for several weeks, but ultimately the decision was made to proceed with the procedure. He appeared in 19 games this season, averaging 15.8 points and a team-leading 11.4 rebounds. LaVine, who joined the Kings last season, will undergo surgery to repair a tendon tear in his right pinky finger. He led the team in scoring with an average of 19.2 points across 39 games.
The timing of these surgeries is particularly notable given the Kings’ current standing. With a record of 12-44, they currently hold the NBA’s worst record. This places them in a competitive position within what has been described as a “tank race” for favorable lottery odds in the upcoming draft. The team’s performance has been consistently poor, having lost 14 consecutive games, and the focus has demonstrably shifted from playoff contention to long-term rebuilding.
Sabonis’ injury dates back to mid-November, and despite attempts at conservative management, the issue persisted. He participated in only seven of the Kings’ final eight games in January and appeared in just one game in February before the decision to undergo surgery was made. The team has indicated he will begin rehabilitation soon and be re-evaluated prior to the start of training camp. LaVine’s finger injury surfaced earlier in February, prompting the surgical consultation and subsequent decision to end his season.
Both players were subjects of trade speculation leading up to the trade deadline, with the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards reportedly expressing interest in Sabonis. However, no deals materialized, and both players remained with the Kings. It is anticipated that new Kings general manager Scott Perry will revisit potential trade discussions during the offseason, potentially exploring opportunities to further reshape the team’s roster.
LaVine’s future with the Kings is also subject to uncertainty, as he has a $48.9 million player option for the next season. While he is expected to exercise that option, it remains to be seen whether he will continue with the team long-term. Sabonis, meanwhile, has two years and $94 million remaining on his contract.
Beyond the impact on the two star players, the Kings also announced that backup center Dylan Caldwell underwent an MRI revealing an ankle sprain. He is expected to be re-evaluated in four weeks. This adds another layer of challenge to the team’s already depleted roster.
The surgeries for Sabonis and LaVine represent a significant setback for the Kings and their fans. While the immediate impact is a further diminished on-court product, the long-term implications could be substantial, potentially influencing the team’s direction in the draft and future player transactions. The focus now shifts to evaluating young players and positioning the franchise for future success, even as the current season draws to a close.
The decision to undergo surgery for both players, despite attempts at rehabilitation, underscores the importance of prioritizing long-term health and avoiding further aggravation of existing injuries. While the immediate loss of their contributions is undeniable, a full recovery and return to form next season are now the primary objectives for both Sabonis and LaVine.
