Kings' Sabonis, LaVine Out for Rest of Season After Surgeries

Sacramento Kings stars to miss remainder of 2026 campaign due to medical procedures

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis and guard Zach LaVine will both miss the rest of the 2026 NBA season after undergoing separate surgical procedures on Wednesday. Sabonis, a three-time All-Star, is recovering from a meniscus tear, while LaVine had an operation to repair a tendon in his right pinky finger.

Why it matters

The loss of Sabonis and LaVine is a major blow to the Kings' playoff hopes, as the two players were key contributors to the team's success this season. Their absences will force other players to step up and fill the void, potentially impacting the team's performance and standings in the Western Conference.

The details

Sabonis, 29, averaged 15.8 points and a team-leading 11.4 rebounds in 19 games this season before the meniscus tear sidelined him. He had surgery in Los Angeles and will begin rehabilitation soon, with the team saying he will be re-evaluated prior to the start of training camp. LaVine, 30, averaged 19.2 points and 2.3 assists in 39 games this season before undergoing surgery to repair a tendon on his right pinky finger.

  • Sabonis suffered the meniscus tear in November 2026.
  • Sabonis and LaVine underwent their respective surgeries on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Domantas Sabonis

A three-time NBA All-Star center for the Sacramento Kings who averaged a double-double this season before suffering a meniscus tear.

Zach LaVine

A veteran guard for the Sacramento Kings who averaged over 19 points per game this season before undergoing surgery on his right pinky finger.

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What’s next

The Kings will need to rely on other players to step up in the absence of Sabonis and LaVine, and the team will re-evaluate Sabonis' status prior to the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.

The takeaway

The loss of two key starters to season-ending injuries is a major setback for the Sacramento Kings, who were hoping to make a playoff push this season. The team will need to find ways to overcome these absences and remain competitive in the Western Conference.