Kings' Sabonis, LaVine Undergo Season-Ending Surgeries

Sacramento's two highest-paid players opt for procedures to repair injuries

Feb. 22, 2026 at 9:39pm

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Sacramento Kings stars Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine both underwent season-ending surgeries on Wednesday, according to league sources. Sabonis had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, while LaVine opted for a procedure on a tendon injury in his right hand. Both players have missed significant time this season due to their respective injuries.

Why it matters

The Kings have struggled mightily this season, with a league-worst 12-44 record and 14 consecutive losses. Losing their two highest-paid players for the remainder of the year is a major blow as the team looks to rebuild and plan for the future.

The details

Sabonis suffered the meniscus tear in mid-November and missed 27 games attempting to rehab it. He was relatively productive in his eight games back prior to the All-Star break, but the Kings have decided to shut him down for the season to allow for a full repair. LaVine has averaged 19.2 points in 39 games this season but has missed five of the previous 10 games due to the hand injury.

  • Sabonis suffered the meniscus tear in mid-November 2025.
  • Both players underwent season-ending surgeries on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Domantas Sabonis

A Kings forward who is one of the team's highest-paid players.

Zach LaVine

A Kings guard who is also one of the team's highest-paid players.

Scott Perry

The new general manager of the Sacramento Kings.

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What’s next

The Kings are expected to revisit trade discussions for Sabonis and LaVine over the summer as they look to rebuild the roster.

The takeaway

The Kings' season has been a disappointment, and the loss of their two highest-paid players to season-ending surgeries is a major blow. The team will now focus on the offseason and look to make changes to the roster as they aim to return to contention in the future.