Things have gone from bad to worse for the NBA’s last-placed team.
Zach LaVine will undergo season-ending surgery on his right hand after the all-star break, NBA on Prime’s Chris Haynes reported on Friday.
LaVine is leading the Kings in scoring at 19.2 points per game, but the team’s 12-44 record has them three games back of the New Orleans Pelicans in the Western Conference basement.
And while LaVine is leading Sacramento, his scoring average is the lowest it’s been in nine seasons. The guard’s efficiency has also declined from last season, as he’s shooting 47.9 per cent from the field and 39 per cent from three, compared to his 51.1 per cent and 44.6 per cent marks in 2024-25.
The 30-year-old also averaged a career-low assist number (2.3) and tied for his low in rebounds (2.8).
LaVine was traded from the Chicago Bulls to Sacramento in a three-team deal that sent former Kings guard De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs at last season’s deadline.
The Kings are in position to earn strong lottery odds for an upcoming draft class that is considered to be strong, including BYU forward Aj Dybantsa, Duke forward Cameron Boozer and Kansas guard Darryn Peterson