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

Injuries end seasons for two key Sacramento players

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis and guard Zach LaVine will miss the rest of the 2026 NBA season after undergoing separate surgeries on Wednesday. Sabonis, a three-time All-Star, suffered a meniscus tear in November and will begin rehabilitation soon. LaVine had surgery to repair a tendon on his right pinky finger. The Kings also announced that backup center Dylan Caldwell suffered an ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated in four weeks.

Why it matters

The loss of Sabonis and LaVine is a major blow to the Kings' playoff hopes, as the two 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. He was used sparingly since the injury, playing in seven of Sacramento's final eight games in January and appearing in only one game in February. LaVine, 30, was in his second season with the Kings and averaged 19.2 points and 2.3 assists in 39 games.

  • Sabonis suffered a meniscus tear in November 2025.
  • Sabonis and LaVine underwent surgery on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • Caldwell's ankle sprain will be re-evaluated in four weeks.

The players

Domantas Sabonis

A three-time NBA All-Star center for the Sacramento Kings who averaged 15.8 points and 11.4 rebounds per game before suffering a season-ending meniscus tear.

Zach LaVine

A 30-year-old guard for the Sacramento Kings who averaged 19.2 points and 2.3 assists per game before undergoing season-ending surgery on his right pinky finger.

Dylan Caldwell

The Sacramento Kings' backup center who suffered an ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated in four weeks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The loss of Sabonis and LaVine is a major setback for the Sacramento Kings, who will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by their two injured stars. The team's playoff hopes may be in jeopardy without their key contributors, highlighting the importance of depth and injury management in the NBA.