The Sacramento Kings have been dealt a devastating blow just as the 2025–2026 NBA season enters its critical stretch. With the NBA All-Star break concluded and teams preparing for the second-half playoff push, Sacramento confirmed that its two highest-paid stars, Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, will miss the remainder of the season due to surgery.
The announcement effectively ends any realistic postseason aspirations for a team already struggling in the Western Conference standings.
Kings’ Playoff Hopes Fade After Double Injury Blow
As the NBA schedule resumes Thursday, franchises across the league are intensifying their push for a top-six seed or at least a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament. However, Sacramento’s ambitions took a severe hit on Wednesday when the organization revealed that both Sabonis and LaVine underwent procedures for lingering injuries.
With two cornerstone players side lined, the Kings’ chances of mounting a late-season rally have diminished significantly.
Domantas Sabonis Undergoes Knee Surgery
Domantas Sabonis, a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. His final appearance came on February 4 in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he delivered an impressive stat line of 24 points and 15 rebounds.
Injury-Plagued Season for Sabonis
The Lithuanian big man endured a frustrating campaign from the outset:
- Suffered a hamstring strain during preseason, missing the season opener.
- Returned to post double-doubles in six consecutive games.
- Missed two contests due to a rib contusion.
- Played five games before a knee injury sidelined him for two months.
- Missed 27 additional games during that stretch.
- Returned in mid-January but appeared limited in eight games before surgery was chosen.
Sabonis concludes the season having appeared in only 19 games, averaging:
- 15.8 points
- 11.4 rebounds
- 4.1 assists
All three numbers represent career lows during his five seasons in Sacramento. Despite leading the NBA in rebounding in each of the previous three seasons, injuries prevented him from maintaining that dominance.
He remains under contract for two more years beyond this season.
Zach LaVine’s Season Ends Following Finger Surgery
Zach LaVine also saw his season cut short after undergoing surgery on an injured finger. His final game came February 6 against the LA Clippers, where he scored just six points in 18 minutes.
Multiple Setbacks Throughout the Year
LaVine’s season was marked by recurring physical issues:
- Missed two weeks from mid-December to early January with an ankle injury.
- Sat out two games in late January due to back problems.
- Sustained the finger injury shortly before the All-Star break.
- Missed the final three games prior to the announcement.
He wraps up the year having played 39 games, averaging:
- 19.2 points
- 2.8 rebounds
- 2.3 assists
His scoring output is the lowest in eight seasons, while both rebounds and assists represent career lows across his 12-year NBA tenure. This marks the fifth season-ending injury of his career.
LaVine carries a $47.5 million salary this year, ranking 17th in the NBA and highest on the Kings’ roster. He holds a $49 million player option for next season, meaning he could choose free agency. There is a strong possibility he has already played his final game in a Kings uniform.
Nearly Half the Payroll Side lined
Sabonis ($42.3 million salary, 28th highest league-wide) and LaVine together account for roughly 49 percent of Sacramento’s total payroll.
Losing nearly half the team’s financial investment to injuries underscores the magnitude of the setback.
Head Coach Doug Christie Addresses the Situation
Kings head coach Doug Christie expressed empathy for both players while acknowledging the challenge ahead.
He noted how difficult it is to see athletes invest years of dedication toward success, only to be sidelined by injury. At the same time, Christie emphasized that the situation opens the door for younger players to gain valuable experience in high-pressure moments.
The Kings remain committed to competing despite the adversity.
A Season Already Slipping Away
At 12–44, Sacramento currently holds the worst record in the NBA. Even prior to the injury announcement, the odds of securing a postseason berth were minimal.
If the standings hold, this will mark:
- The third consecutive season without a playoff appearance.
- The 19th missed postseason in the last 20 years.
The franchise’s prolonged struggles continue to test both management and fans.
Opportunities for Young Talent
Although the team loses significant firepower, it retains experienced veterans such as Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan. More importantly, this setback creates meaningful opportunities for younger players.
Key prospects expected to see expanded roles include:
- Nique Clifford (rookie wing)
- Maxime Raynaud (rookie big man)
- Devin Carter (2024 lottery pick seeking consistent minutes)
Clifford and Raynaud notably occupy the same positions as LaVine and Sabonis, respectively, positioning them for increased playing time.
Carter, who has struggled to secure steady rotation minutes, may also benefit from expanded opportunities.
The remainder of the season will likely shift toward player development and evaluation for the future.
Financial Breakdown of Kings’ Key Players
| Player | Salary 2025–2026 | NBA Salary Rank | Games Played | Points Per Game | Contract Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domantas Sabonis | $42.3 million | 28th | 19 | 15.8 | Under contract 2 more years |
| Zach LaVine | $47.5 million | 17th | 39 | 19.2 | $49M player option next season |
Conclusion
The Sacramento Kings’ 2025–2026 campaign has taken a decisive turn following the season-ending surgeries of Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine. With nearly half of the team’s payroll sidelined and the league’s worst record already weighing heavily, postseason hopes are effectively extinguished.
However, adversity often accelerates growth. The remainder of the season now serves as an opportunity to evaluate young talent, refine team chemistry, and begin shaping a more competitive roster for next year.
While the short-term outlook appears bleak, strategic development could lay the groundwork for a more stable future.
FAQs
Why Did Domantas Sabonis Miss the Rest of the Season?
Sabonis underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee after struggling with multiple injuries throughout the season.
What Injury Ended Zach LaVine’s Season?
LaVine required finger surgery following an injury sustained just before the NBA All-Star break.
Are the Sacramento Kings Eliminated From Playoff Contention?
While not mathematically eliminated, their 12–44 record and loss of key players make postseason qualification highly unlikely.