After the Sacramento Kings limped to a 22-60 finish, Zach LaVine acknowledged at his end-of-season press conference that the coming months will bring reflection — and potentially a significant decision about his future.
LaVine, who has a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, said he’s approaching the offseason with a focus on reassessment after a year that fell well short of expectations.
“Where I’m at my career is, you know, we want to win,” LaVine said. “It’s not the year that you want individually, but you take the cards that you dealt, and you keep moving forward.”
Acquired in the February 2025 blockbuster deal that sent De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, Zach LaVine was entering his second season with Sacramento, hoping to help reposition the franchise as a postseason contender.
Instead, injuries and inconsistency plagued the roster throughout the year. LaVine appeared in just 39 games before suffering a tendon tear in his right pinky finger that required season-ending surgery in February.
(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
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“I think it’s hard not to play what ifs,” Zach LaVine said. “You know, we do that a lot, especially as competitors.” Still, he emphasized the importance of looking ahead. “You reevaluate yourself. You reevaluate what you can do better. I think you always start there, and then you look outward.”
Before the injury, LaVine averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range — matching his career average from beyond the arc over 12 NBA seasons.
Despite the team’s struggles, LaVine said the locker room remained connected. “This team actually was a group of really good guys that really got along and, you know, never really quit,” he said.
With control over his future, LaVine did not clarify whether Sacramento is his long-term home, but acknowledged the leverage his contract provides.
“I have a lot of control, you know?” he said. “Obviously, having player options, you know, it’s a good thing in my camp.”
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
LaVine said he plans to consult with his representation, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, and consider all variables.
“We’ll go back and look at everything. Look at all the scenarios,” he said. “Watch the playoffs and see what happens.”
As for his recovery, LaVine said his finger rehab is nearly complete.
“It’s good,” he said. “And I was getting better. I’m pretty close to being able to do everything I need to do.”
Whether Zach LaVine ultimately opts into his deal or tests free agency, his comments made clear that winning — and the right situation — will loom large in his decision.
Be sure to check out all of the Sacramento Kings’ end-of-season press conferences on the Sactown Sports YouTube page.
When is the next Sacramento Kings offseason date of interest?
The Sacramento Kings will now look ahead to the highly anticipated NBA Draft Lottery, which is set for Sunday, May 10th.
Sacramento hasn’t secured the top pick in the NBA Draft since 1989, when it selected center Pervis Ellison with the first overall selection.
Be sure to stay locked in to Sactown Sports 1140 all offseason for NBA Draft Lottery coverage, NBA Draft previews and analysis, NBA Summer League content, and MUCH more!
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Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule
- Tuesday, April 14th – NBA Play-In Tournament begins
- Saturday, April 18th – NBA Playoffs begin
- Sunday, May 10th – NBA Draft Lottery
- Thursday, June 4th– NBA Finals begin
- Thursday, June 25th – NBA Draft (Round 1)
- Friday, June 26th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
- Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
- Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
- Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official
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