The Sacramento Kings are set to lose their leading scorer, Zach LaVine, for the remainder of the NBA season due to surgery on his right hand following the All-Star break. This announcement comes as the Kings struggle significantly, holding the league’s worst record and enduring a 14-game losing streak, tying a franchise low.
Details on LaVine’s Injury and Performance This Season
Zach LaVine, 30, has been sidelined for the team’s last three games due to a finger injury on his right hand. He will undergo surgery to address this issue, ending his season prematurely. In the 39 games he played this season, LaVine averaged 19.2 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 47.9% from the field and 39% from beyond the three-point arc. As reported by league sources and confirmed by journalist Chris Haynes:
“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.” ?Chris Haynes, Journalist
Impact of Injuries on Sacramento Kings’ Season
LaVine’s injury is the latest in a series of setbacks affecting the Kings’ roster this season. The team has struggled to field its projected starters consistently throughout the year due to various injuries. Notably, former three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis has only appeared in 19 games, recovering from a partial tear of his meniscus in his left knee. Sabonis recently returned to play before the trade deadline but has missed additional time due to lower back soreness.
Another key player, forward Keegan Murray, has also been limited to 19 appearances. Murray dealt with a torn ligament in his left thumb that occurred during a preseason game in October and later suffered a moderate left ankle sprain on January 4, which further restricted his playing time.
Upcoming Schedule and Team Outlook
The Kings, currently with a 12-44 record, will resume play on February 19 when they host the Orlando Magic at Golden 1 Center. This game will precede a five-game road trip. With LaVine sidelined, Sacramento faces significant challenges ahead as it tries to navigate the remainder of a difficult season with many key players unavailable.
Significance of LaVine’s Surgery for the Team’s Future
LaVine’s surgery marks a critical blow for the Kings, who have already been hampered by multiple injuries. Losing their top scorer will likely impact their competitiveness the rest of the season, complicating efforts to improve their standings in the NBA. The team will now need to rely on remaining roster depth while managing recovery timelines for several starters, including Sabonis and Murray, as they aim to build momentum for the next 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
