Kings Star Domantas Sabonis Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Torn meniscus ends Sabonis' 2025-26 campaign as Kings struggle to 12-44 record

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis has undergone season-ending surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, the team announced on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The 29-year-old All-Star has appeared in only 19 games this season, averaging career-lows in points, rebounds, and assists. The Kings, currently at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 12-44 record, will be without Sabonis and guard Zach LaVine, who also recently received a season-ending diagnosis, for the remainder of the year.

Why it matters

Sabonis's injury is a significant blow to the struggling Kings, who are already having a dismal season. The loss of their two top players will make it extremely difficult for the team to turn things around and compete for a playoff spot. This also raises questions about the long-term future of the Kings' roster and whether changes may be needed in the offseason.

The details

Sabonis initially suffered the knee injury earlier in the season and tried to play through it, missing 27 games from November to January. He returned on January 16, 2026, but ongoing soreness and knee management issues ultimately led to the decision for surgical intervention. The 6-foot-11 forward is currently under contract with the Kings through the 2027-2028 season, with earnings exceeding $90 million USD over the next two years.

  • Sabonis initially sustained the knee injury earlier in the 2025-26 season.
  • Sabonis missed 27 games from November to January while attempting rehabilitation.
  • Sabonis returned to the court on January 16, 2026, but continued knee issues led to the decision for surgery.
  • Sabonis underwent season-ending surgery on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The Kings are currently 12-44 on the season as of Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Domantas Sabonis

A 29-year-old forward for the Sacramento Kings who has been sidelined for most of the 2025-26 season due to a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Zach LaVine

A 30-year-old guard for the Sacramento Kings who also recently received a season-ending diagnosis, requiring surgery on his right hand to address finger soreness.

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What’s next

The Kings will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by Sabonis and LaVine for the remainder of the season.

The takeaway

Sabonis's season-ending knee surgery is a major setback for the struggling Sacramento Kings, who are already at the bottom of the Western Conference. The loss of their two top players will make it extremely difficult for the team to turn things around this season, raising questions about the long-term future of the roster.