Quick Read

Zach LaVine has delivered strong preseason performances for the Sacramento Kings, scoring efficiently from deep.He contributed 13 points, six assists, four rebounds, and three steals in a recent loss to the Clippers.LaVine’s off-ball role is expected to grow with the arrival of point guard Dennis Schroder.Chemistry with center Domantas Sabonis could unlock new offensive opportunities for Sacramento.Questions remain about LaVine’s defense as the regular season approaches.

As the Sacramento Kings gear up for the 2025 NBA regular season, the spotlight shines brightly on Zach LaVine, a player whose journey in Sacramento is beginning to take shape in compelling fashion. With the preseason winding down and the team facing both adversity and opportunity, LaVine’s performances have sparked renewed interest in his potential to influence the Kings’ fortunes—both on the scoreboard and beyond.

LaVine’s Preseason Shooting Surge: A Beacon Amid Uncertainty

The Kings’ preseason narrative has been anything but smooth. The team dropped both of its opening games, and the loss of Keegan Murray to injury and subsequent surgery cast a shadow over early hopes. Yet, amid these challenges, Zach LaVine has emerged as a stabilizing force. According to Sports Illustrated, LaVine not only led the scoring in both games—posting 16 points against the Toronto Raptors in under 15 minutes and 19 points in 25 minutes versus the Portland Trail Blazers—but also impressed with his shooting efficiency, going 66.7% from the field and 61.5% from three-point range. While these are preseason numbers and should be viewed cautiously, they underscore LaVine’s status as one of the league’s purest shooters.

In an NBA era defined by the three-point shot, LaVine’s smooth release and ability to score from deep make him a critical asset for the Kings. This isn’t just about scoring, though. It’s about the way LaVine’s offensive presence can shift the defensive focus of opponents, opening up opportunities for his teammates and giving Sacramento a tactical edge.

Multi-Category Production: Beyond the Box Score

LaVine’s value isn’t confined to his scoring. In the Kings’ recent 109-91 loss to the Clippers, he delivered a well-rounded performance: 13 points, six assists, four rebounds, and three steals in 28 minutes, as reported by RotoWire. What stands out here is his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game, a trait that could become even more pronounced now that the Kings have added Dennis Schroder—a true point guard—to their roster. With Schroder handling more of the playmaking responsibilities, LaVine is expected to have increased off-the-ball opportunities, allowing him to focus on scoring and creating without the pressure of directing the offense.

Such versatility is crucial for a team looking to navigate the rigors of an NBA season. For Sacramento, having a player who can shift between roles, adapt to new lineups, and still produce is a luxury, especially given the injuries and roster changes that mark every campaign.

Chemistry with Sabonis: Unlocking New Dimensions

Last season, LaVine joined the Kings in a period of transition, and while his individual stats were strong—22.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game on 51.1% shooting from the field and 44.6% from three—it took time for him to sync with Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento’s unique center and facilitator. Sabonis isn’t the typical rim-running big man; his screening and passing open up the floor in different ways, demanding new rhythms from his teammates.

This offseason and the current training camp have provided a valuable window for LaVine and Sabonis to build chemistry. The hope is that with more familiarity, LaVine will be able to exploit Sabonis’s elite screens and handoffs, finding more space for his jump shot and slashing drives. The duo’s development could be key to Sacramento’s success, offering a new twist to the team’s offensive playbook.

What Lies Ahead: Balancing Defensive Questions and Offensive Firepower

LaVine’s scoring and versatility are undeniable, but questions remain—particularly on the defensive end. The preseason showcased his offensive talents, but the real test will come when the regular season begins and opponents bring their best lineups and strategies. Sacramento’s coaching staff will need to find ways to maximize LaVine’s strengths while covering for any defensive gaps, especially as the team works through injuries and roster adjustments.

Still, the optimism surrounding LaVine’s fit in Sacramento is justified. His ability to carry the Kings on any given night, especially when his shot is falling, makes him an X-factor in a competitive Western Conference. The addition of Schroder, the evolving partnership with Sabonis, and LaVine’s own growth set the stage for a season where expectations—and stakes—are higher than ever.

Looking at the bigger picture, Sacramento’s success may hinge on whether LaVine can sustain his preseason efficiency and continue expanding his multi-category contributions. The Kings’ fanbase, hungry for postseason relevance, will be watching closely as the season unfolds.

Zach LaVine’s emergence as a leader and versatile scorer for the Sacramento Kings is a story of adaptation and potential. His ability to adjust to new teammates, thrive off the ball, and deliver across statistical categories suggests that, if health and chemistry hold, LaVine could be the difference-maker the Kings need to rise above adversity and contend in the fiercely competitive NBA landscape.