Here’s a gut-wrenching blow for Sacramento Kings fans: the team’s two highest-paid stars, Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, have both undergone season-ending surgeries, effectively slamming the door on any faint hopes of a late-season turnaround. And this is the part most people miss—while injuries are a part of sports, the timing and implications of these surgeries raise questions about the Kings’ future and the players’ long-term roles with the franchise.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Sabonis had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, an injury he initially suffered in mid-November. Despite missing 27 games in an attempt to rehab, he returned for eight games before the All-Star break, showing glimpses of his usual productivity. But here’s where it gets controversial—with the Kings sitting at a league-worst 12-44 record and on a 14-game losing streak, the decision to opt for surgery now feels like a strategic shift toward next season. Is this a tacit admission that this year is a lost cause? Or is it a necessary step to ensure Sabonis’ long-term health? With two years and $94 million left on his contract, the stakes are undeniably high.
LaVine finds himself in a similar predicament. After averaging 19.2 points in 39 games before the break, he’s opting for surgery to address a tendon injury in his right hand. Here’s the kicker—LaVine holds a $48.9 million player option for next season, and all signs point to him exercising it. Given the Kings’ struggles and his injury history, is this a smart financial move for him, or could it complicate his future with the team? The fact that Sacramento explored trading both players before the deadline suggests the front office is reevaluating its core.
Speaking of the front office, new Kings general manager Scott Perry is expected to revisit trade discussions for Sabonis and LaVine this summer. But will their post-surgery recovery timelines and hefty contracts make them harder to move? This is where it gets even more intriguing—if the Kings can’t find trade partners, how will they rebuild around these two stars, or will they pivot to a full-scale teardown? Fans are divided, and the debate is heating up.
For now, the Kings’ season is all but over, and the focus shifts to next year. But with Sabonis and LaVine sidelined, the franchise faces tough questions about its direction. Here’s the burning question for you—do you think the Kings should stick with their current core or blow it up and start fresh? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
