In his first full season in Sacramento, Zach LaVine was leading the Kings in scoring at 19.2 points per game. Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine will undergo season-ending surgery on his right hand and will miss the remainder of the season, a league source confirmed Friday.
The loss is a tough blow for the 30-year-old LaVine, as he led Sacramento (12-44) in scoring this season with 19.2 points per game and averaged 2.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists. The Kings, who have lost 14 straight games and sit in last place in the Western Conference, will face the Orlando Magic on Feb. 19 following the All-Star break.
The Kings acquired LaVine last season in a blockbuster three-team trade that sent longtime Sacramento guard De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, as LaVine departed the Chicago Bulls after 7 1/2 seasons and reunited with former Bulls teammate DeMar DeRozan. LaVine, as showcased in 39 games this season, quickly became the Kings’ go-to scorer by serving as a veteran shot-making presence. He erupted for 42 points against the Charlotte Hornets in February 2025, and he scored 35 points on a solid 13-of-26 shooting performance in a loss to the Washington Wizards.
Many of LaVine’s standout scoring nights have been overshadowed by Sacramento’s struggles, like the loss to the Wizards earlier this month. Although LaVine has been the Kings’ leader, he’s averaging a career low in assists. The Kings have not only struggled to score, but also have had difficulty playing defense, as their offense and defense rank 28th. Domantas Sabonis, who has missed time due to a partially torn meniscus, and Keegan Murray, key contributors on both ends of the floor, have been sidelined, and Sacramento’s rim protection, defensive length and scoring options have been significantly impacted.
LaVine suffered a left ankle injury against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 14 and missed nine games after landing awkwardly on a drive to the basket.
LaVine, who was drafted at No. 13 pick in 2014, has a $48.9 million player option for next season.
Feb 14, 2026
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