The Sacramento Kings will be without Zach LaVine for the rest of the 2024 NBA season after he is scheduled to undergo surgery on his right hand following the All-Star break. The veteran guard’s absence comes at a critical moment as the Kings compete in a close race for the league’s lowest record, aiming to improve their draft position.
Injury Details and Player Performance This Season
LaVine has been sidelined for the past three games due to a tendon injury affecting his right pinkie finger. The 30-year-old has played in 39 games this season, starting 37, while posting averages of 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists—career lows over his past eight years. These numbers reflect an adjustment period following his mid-season trade to Sacramento from Chicago.
Trade Background and Career Overview
The Kings acquired LaVine at the 2025 trade deadline in a three-team deal that involved sending De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs and netting Sacramento multiple future draft picks, including three first-round and three second-round selections. Throughout a 12-year NBA career spanning Minnesota, Chicago, and Sacramento, LaVine has averaged 20.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over 693 games, earning All-Star honors with the Bulls in 2020 and 2021.
League Standings and Draft Position Implications
Sacramento’s current record of 12-44 places them near the bottom of the NBA standings along with teams like the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, and Utah Jazz. Some teams, including the Pacers and Jazz, were recently fined by the league for reportedly holding players out of games in efforts to influence draft positioning. This year’s draft class is highly anticipated, intensifying the competition to secure a favorable lottery spot.
Upcoming Schedule and Outlook for the Kings
The Kings will return from the All-Star break to face the Orlando Magic at home on Thursday. The team will now face the remainder of the season without LaVine, a significant challenge as they push to build around their roster and position themselves well for the upcoming draft.
“Zach LaVine will have right hand surgery following this weekend’s All-Star break.” – Chris Haynes, Veteran NBA Writer
