Why there is serious reason to believe in Zach LaVine's 2025-26 outlook

LaVine's exciting outlook
Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) shoots against Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (left) during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) shoots against Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (left) during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Sacramento Kings' 2024-25 season did not exactly go according to plan. It was an up and down campaign that saw them get eliminated in the play-in tournament. There is reason for optimism heading into 2025-26, however. Domantas Sabonis will lead the way once again. Zach LaVine, meanwhile, displayed his star potential across 32 games with Sacramento following the trade from the Chicago Bulls this past season.

LaVine's long-term outlook with the Kings may be uncertain, but he should be able to find success during the upcoming season. In his aforementioned 32 games with Sacramento a season ago, the veteran averaged 22.4 points while shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 44.6 percent from beyond the arc. He added 3.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds per outing.

LaVine reminded everyone that he features the ceiling of an All-Star when he is playing up to his potential. After all, he is a two-time All-Star for a reason. His fit in Sacramento should help him play at a high level once again in 2025-26.

Zach LaVine ready to play big role with Kings

The Kings are not receiving too much attention outside of various trade rumors. They have been linked to Jonathan Kuminga over the past few months. However, Sacramento's current roster is intriguing. Is it a championship-caliber unit? Probably not, but it could surprise some people in the Western Conference this year.

Sabonis is a player who can earn MVP consideration. He's finished within the top 10 of voting on two separate occasions. DeMar DeRozan is a veteran star. Keegan Murray features a high ceiling. LaVine, meanwhile, is one of the best players on the roster.

Defenses will have to pay attention to the other stars on the Kings in addition to LaVine. Opponents will not be able to consistently place all of their focus on the shooting guard. As a result, LaVine should receive plenty of opportunities to score.

2025-26 will be Zach LaVine's first full season in Sacramento with the Kings. He will have had a full offseason to focus on helping the team. His production will likely increase as he improves his overall comfortability in Sacramento. It would not be shocking to see LaVine end up earning his third career All-Star selection.

Perhaps it is an optimistic take, but there is serious reason to believe in Zach LaVine's 2025-26 outlook as he hopes to lead the Kings to the playoffs.