As Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla often says, the game of basketball is similar to the animal kingdom. And in the animal kingdom, there needs to be some form of hierarchy in order for there to be peace.
In basketball, we see the same thing, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Obviously, you don't want anyone to be a complete ball hog. However, it is very hard to win with a completely egalitarian attack (unless you are the 2013-14 San Antonio Spurs). You need someone to step up and be the top dog.
Ever since the Sacramento Kings traded away De'Aaron Fox, they have struggled to find someone willing to don this mantle. At first, Malik Monk tried to be that guy, but he's struggled with the increased volume and has missed the team's last few games. Meanwhile, Domantas Sabonis could potentially be the number one option, but he's never been aggressive enough to take 17-20 shots per game (and he's also been hurt).
Zach LaVine is stepping up as the number one option
Fortunately, over the last few games, the Kings seem to have found a man for the job. After putting together a career night in a win against the Charlotte Hornets, newly-acquired Zach LaVine has been on an absolute tear.
Over his last six games, LaVine is averaging 27 PPG on 60.2% shooting from the floor and 62.2% from three. In five of those six games, LaVine has taken at least 16 field goal attempts. So, not only has he been hyper-efficient, but he's also doing it on high volume.
The Kings have benefited greatly from LaVine becoming the top dog. They are 5-1 in that stretch with the best net rating in the league (+18.7, per NBA.com) – even better than the one posted by the 6-0 Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Will this stretch continue? It is uncertain. Throughout LaVine's career, he has struggled to consistently be an offensive number one on a high-level offense (often earning him an unfair label as an empty-calorie scorer). However, maybe the pieces the Kings currently have around him will be just enough to help him evolve his game to become the player they need him to be.