Kings' Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine undergo season-ending surgeries

Jason Anderson, The Sacramento Bee on Feb 18, 2026

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings returned from the NBA All-Star break with injury updates on a number of players as they reconvened at their Golden 1 Center practice facility Wednesday.

The biggest news concerned three-time All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis, who underwent season-ending surgery Wednesday morning to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. The Kings also confirmed recent reports that guard Zach LaVine was undergoing season-ending surgery to repair a tendon injury in his right hand.

In addition, the Kings said undrafted rookie center Dylan Cardwell suffered a sprained ankle at the team’s practice facility Tuesday. He will be reevaluated in four weeks.

There was more encouraging news regarding forwards Keegan Murray and De’Andre Hunter.

Murray, who has missed the past 20 games with a left ankle sprain, was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. He is expected to play for the first time since Jan. 4 when the Kings face the Orlando Magic on Thursday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

Hunter, who the Kings recently acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, was also a full participant in Wednesday’s practice after missing the past three games with left eye iritis. His status for Thursday’s game has not been determined.

Sabonis and LaVine both endured injury plagued campaigns as the Kings (12-44) to find any semblance of continuity this season. Sabonis has missed 37 games due to hamstring, ribcage, knee and back injuries. LaVine has missed 17 games due to back, thigh, thumb, ankle and hand injuries.

LaVine appeared in 39 games, averaging 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Sabonis appeared in only 19 games, posting averages of 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

Rookie second-round draft pick Maxime Raynaud will continue to start in place of Sabonis. Kings coach Doug Christie could start rookie first-round draft pick Nique Clifford in place of LaVine, but he could also move DeMar DeRozan to shooting guard with Murray and Hunter manning the forward positions.