Sacramento Kings star Zach LaVine will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season following surgery on his right hand, scheduled after the All-Star break, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. The 30-year-old, who serves as the Kings’ leading scorer, averaged 19.2 points per game this season while shooting nearly 48 percent overall and 39 percent from beyond the arc.
LaVine’s Struggles Mark a Downturn in Performance
This season has been plagued with injuries for LaVine, who appeared in only 39 games before being sidelined for the surgery. After enjoying one of the best seasons of his career last year—posting a career-high 23.3 points per game on 51.1 percent shooting and 44.9 percent from three-point range—his numbers declined notably. The 2025-26 campaign marks his lowest scoring average since his fourth season in 2017-18, and he finished with a career-worst minus-8.0 plus-minus rating.
Context of LaVine’s Trade and Team Performance
LaVine was acquired by Sacramento in a three-team trade last year that involved sending De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. Despite speculation that the Kings might trade him again at this year’s deadline, LaVine remained with the team through the season. He holds a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-27 season. Unfortunately, his injury compounds a difficult year for Sacramento, who entered the All-Star break with a disappointing 12-44 record—the worst in the NBA—and are currently enduring a 14-game losing streak, tied for the league’s longest this season.
Impact of Coaching Changes and Team Outlook
This is the first full season under head coach Doug Christie, who took over in December 2024 following the departure of Mike Brown to the New York Knicks. The Kings’ struggles have intensified under this new leadership amid roster challenges and key player injuries. With LaVine sidelined for the remainder of the season, Sacramento faces an uphill battle in their efforts to rebuild and improve on their record heading into the offseason.
Future Implications for LaVine and the Kings
LaVine’s surgery and absence leave a significant void in Sacramento’s offense and leadership. The team’s disappointing performances this season, combined with key injuries, raise uncertainties about their competitiveness next year. Fans and analysts will be closely watching how LaVine recovers, evaluates his player option, and whether Sacramento can strengthen its roster to rebound in the 2026-27 season.
BREAKING: Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine will undergo season-ending surgery on his right hand after the All-Star break, league sources tell me. He averaged 19.2 points, shot 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from beyond the arc. pic.twitter.com/uph3thRMSD
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 14, 2026
