Zach LaVine's run with the Sacramento Kings has been both underwhelming and expensive. Some of that could be about to change, thanks in part to rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. It's looking like they will work well together, which could change LaVine's presence on the Kings dramatically.
Here's the deal. When the Kings brought LaVine to the team, it was in the middle of a train wreck. Mike Brown had been fired, and De'Aaron Fox was gone. That left Sacramento with a rookie head coach and no clear starting point guard for the team. It wasn't exactly an optimal situation for anyone.
The reality of LaVine's game is that he's a shooter over everything else. Without a proper point guard running the offense and no one else facilitating, he found his opportunities few and far between. It also didn't help that DeMar DeRozan, another shooter's shooter, was looking for the same openings.
Then, there's LaVine's contract, which is an entirely separate issue. It's worth $215 million over five years and is coming to an end with the closing of the 2026-2027 season. His 2025-2026 season was a bust, yet he made nearly $48 million for his work. It wasn't exactly great for Sacramento.
The changes to Sacramento could turn LaVine's game around
Even with three months still remaining in the 2026 offseason, there has already been talk of a connection building between LaVine and the Kings' new point guard. He and Acuff have a bit of a vibe going, meaning LaVine might finally get the facilitation he needs to be a successful shooter.
If that works out this season, it's worth the Kings' time to consider re-signing LaVine after this contract is up. It's going to be for a lot less money, but that's going to happen no matter where he ends up. But this scenario only works if LaVine tightens his game up in 2026-2027.
The other thing to keep in mind is that neither LaVine nor Acuff is particularly good on defense. Add Domantas Sabonis into that line, and the Kings aren't slowing down any team's offense. Considering Doug Christie's laser focus on defense, a scenario like that just isn't going to happen.
Even if LaVine shoots well this season by feeding off Acuff, the Kings may decide that such a weak defensive team isn't worth the risk. Regardless, Sacramento's front office has to keep all options in mind. If LaVine works out this season, they have to consider keeping him around. For way less money.
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