The Sacramento Kings’ 2025-26 campaign has gone from bad to worse. According to breaking news from ESPN’s Shams Charania, Kings star center Domantas Sabonis officially underwent season-ending surgery on Wednesday morning to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.
The procedure officially closes the book on a deeply frustrating, injury-riddled season for the three-time All-Star, dealing yet another devastating blow to a franchise that is already sitting at the very bottom of the NBA standings.
The Injury Timeline: Playing Through the Pain
Sabonis’s knee issues have been a lingering dark cloud over Sacramento’s season for months. He originally suffered the partial meniscus tear back in November 2025. Known across the league for his incredible toughness—having previously played through ailments like a broken thumb—Sabonis initially opted for a non-surgical treatment plan.
After missing 27 games to carefully rehabilitate the knee, he heroically returned to the court in mid-January, hoping to play through the discomfort and salvage the Kings’ season. He managed to suit up for a brief eight-game stint leading up to the All-Star break, bringing his total to just 19 appearances this year.
During those games, Sabonis still managed to average a highly productive double-double:
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15.8 points per game
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11.4 rebounds per game
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4.1 assists per game
Ultimately, with the knee not responding as hoped and the Kings’ playoff chances completely evaporated, the team and Sabonis determined the best course of action was to surgically repair the tear now so he can be fully healthy for the 2026-27 season.
A Brutal Double Blow: Sabonis and LaVine Sidelined
In a cruel twist of fate, Sabonis wasn’t the only Kings star to go under the knife on Wednesday. Fellow franchise cornerstone Zach LaVine also underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right hand. LaVine had been in and out of the lineup with the hand issue and had not played since February 6.
Losing their two highest-paid players on the exact same day is a crushing reality for the organization. Kings head coach Doug Christie addressed the bleak situation after Wednesday’s practice, stating, “It just makes it tough. You feel for Zach, you feel for Domas”.
With the roster now heavily depleted, the Kings are down to just 12 available players, meaning younger developmental pieces like Keegan Murray—who recently returned to practice following an ankle sprain—and De’Andre Hunter will be asked to shoulder a much heavier burden down the stretch.
The Silver Lining: Securing the Lottery Odds
If there is any silver lining to this unfortunate medical update, it is how perfectly it aligns with the Kings’ current trajectory. Entering the All-Star break, Sacramento holds a dismal 12-44 record, placing them dead last in the Western Conference and mired in an active 14-game losing streak.
By prioritizing the long-term health of Sabonis and LaVine, the Kings are officially leaning into a rebuild for the remainder of the year. Shutting down their stars all but guarantees Sacramento will finish with one of the league’s worst records, securing top lottery odds and ensuring they draft no lower than fifth overall in the upcoming NBA Draft.
What’s Next for Sabonis and Sacramento?
The immediate focus for Domantas Sabonis will be a full physical recovery. However, his future in Sacramento remains one of the NBA’s biggest question marks.
Leading up to the trade deadline, General Manager Scott Perry aggressively explored the trade market for both Sabonis and LaVine, though no deals materialized. Sabonis is currently under contract through the 2027-28 season, with roughly two years and $94 million remaining on his deal. Reports indicate the Kings will attempt to trade the star duo again this summer. Whether Sabonis returns to anchor the Kings’ frontcourt next fall or becomes a blockbuster offseason trade piece, this surgery ensures he will be physically ready for his next chapter.
