Zach LaVine missed the last couple of games due to back soreness, but was back in the Sacramento Kings' lineup to take on the Sixers. Honestly, he did relatively well, though it wasn't anything special, and he was a little below his season averages. Basically, he was fine and not much more.
To start off the 2025-2026 season, Zach LaVine was absolutely on fire and was shooting the lights out for the first several games. Naturally, his hot streak cooled off, and he settled into a different rhythm. Unfortunately, that rhythm was a lot more unpredictable than the Kings would like.
He's been running really hot and cold throughout the season for a couple of reasons. First, LaVine has been dealing with different injuries that have kept him off the court for various short periods of time. It's hard to find a rhythm when you keep having to take time away from the game.
The second reason is the Kings' push towards stronger defensive play, which is not something LaVine excels at. To his credit, he did pick up two steals in his return against the Sixers last night. Still, trying to focus on defense has definitely impacted his offensive game.
LaVine isn't playing to form for the Kings
Zach finished the Philly game with 17 points, one rebound, three assists, and two steals. It was a little below his current season average, which is 19.4 points per game. He was also below his season average on rebounds, but that's not what the Kings are looking at him for. It's the shooting.
From an efficiency perspective, it wasn't LaVine's best work. He shot five for 16 from the field for 31.3%. That includes shooting two of six from three at 33.3%. To be fair, LaVine did a lot better from the charity stripe, where he went five for five, shooting 100%.
Between injuries, trade rumors, and trying to play against type, this has not been LaVine's best season. He is normally a reliable shooter who can be a difference maker. But in 2025-2026, he's playing fine on the best of days. A change of scenery would be good for him.
The Kings are trying to trade him, and LaVine wants to be traded. But it's going to be a tough sell given how big his contract is. While Sacramento works out what's next, they need to make sure they put Zach in a position to succeed. And he needs to make sure he takes full advantage of it.