LaVine (hand) exercised his $49 million player option for 2026-27 on Monday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
LaVine underwent season-ending surgery on his right hand before the 2025-26 All-Star break. He averaged 19.2 points in 39 regular-season games last season and was a two-time All-Star before being traded to the Kings in February of 2025. The Kings are listening to trade offers for LaVine and Domantas Sabonis (knee), but their hefty contracts are making things difficult. If LaVine stays in Sacramento, he would likely take a back seat as the Kings try to develop 2026 No. 7 overall pick Darius Acuff.
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Kings' Zach LaVine: New backcourt pairing on tap
Rotowire
LaVine (hand) is projected to have a new backcourt partner after the Kings selected Darius Acuff with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
LaVine primarily worked alongside Russell Westbrook in 2024-25, the latter of whom is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. LaVine, on the other hand, has a player option worth over $48 million for 2026-27 and figures to exercise it after averaging 19.2 points per game over 39 regular-season appearances last year, his lowest output since 2017-18. Assuming he remains with the Kings, LaVine should have a good chance of having a bounce-back season.
Kings' Zach LaVine: To undergo season-ending surgery
Rotowire
LaVine will undergo season-ending surgery on his right hand after the All-Star break, Chris Haynes of NBA TV reports.
After missing Sacramento's final three outings before the All-Star break due to right finger soreness, LaVine is scheduled to undergo season-ending hand surgery. The veteran swingman will finish the 2025-26 season with averages of 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from downtown across 31.4 minutes per contest in 39 regular-season games (37 starts). He holds a $48.97 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign. With LaVine sidelined, Nique Clifford should continue to see an expanded role, while Malik Monk (illness) and Devin Carter are also candidates for increased playing time.
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Kings' Zach LaVine: Out for Wednesday
Rotowire
LaVine (finger) is out for Wednesday's game against the Jazz.
LaVine will miss a third straight game due to finger soreness. His next chance to play won't come until after the All-Star break, so he'll have over a week to rest and recover. In the meantime, look for Nique Clifford and Devin Carter to see more minutes.
LaVine (finger) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Pelicans.
LaVine will be sidelined for a second consecutive game due to right finger soreness, and his last opportunity to suit up before the All-Star break is Wednesday against the Jazz. Nique Clifford and Devin Carter should see more minutes in LaVine's absence.
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Kings' Zach LaVine: Ruled out Saturday
Rotowire
LaVine (finger) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Cavaliers.
LaVine is dealing with right finger soreness and won't suit up in the second half of this back-to-back set. The veteran swingman's absence should open up more minutes for Nique Clifford, Malik Monk and Devin Carter. LaVine's next chance to play will come on the road against the Pelicans on Monday.
LaVine finished Sunday's 116-112 loss to Washington with 35 points (13-26 FG, 4-10 3Pt, 5-5 FT), six rebounds, two assists and one steal in 35 minutes.
LaVine led the way in scoring for the Kings and combined with DeMar DeRozan for 67 points, but it wasn't enough to secure a victory. Sunday marked LaVine's best scoring performance since Dec. 6, when he dropped 42 points against the Heat. He's now averaging 19.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steals over his last five appearances.
LaVine is in the Kings' starting lineup against the Celtics on Friday, Sean Grande of NBC Sports Boston reports.
LaVine came off the bench during Thursday's loss to the 76ers, but the veteran wing will return to the starting lineup Friday while Nique Clifford reverts to a reserve role. LaVine has averaged 17.9 points, 2.5 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 2.6 threes over 31.0 minutes per game over his last 12 outings (10 starts).
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