The Sacramento Kings’ difficult season took another major hit as Domantas Sabonis underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, ruling the All-Star forward out for the remainder of the 2025–26 campaign. The procedure was completed Wednesday, ending Sabonis’ season shortly after the team also lost key contributor Zach LaVine to a season-ending injury.
The absence of Sabonis removes one of Sacramento’s most reliable interior playmakers and rebounders as the franchise navigates a challenging stretch near the bottom of the league standings.
Limited Availability Marked Injury-Shortened Campaign
Sabonis appeared in just 19 games this season, posting averages of 15.8 points on 54.3% shooting, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists. The reduced workload represents his fewest appearances in a regular season since the 2021–22 campaign and reflects a year disrupted by health setbacks.
His injury further compounds a season defined by inconsistency and roster instability, preventing Sacramento from establishing continuity on both ends of the floor.
🚨 KINGS SEASON ENDS FOR SABONIS & LAVINE 😔
Sabonis had left knee meniscus surgery, LaVine right-hand tendon surgery. Sacramento sits 12-44, out of playoff contention. Both now focusing on recovery & next season. #NBA #SacramentoKings #InjuryUpdate pic.twitter.com/DLr40U59eW
— sportycast (@sportycast) February 19, 2026
Kings’ Struggles Continue Amid Roster Changes
Sacramento entered the All-Star break with the league’s worst record at 12-44, a stark contrast to preseason expectations that positioned the team as a potential playoff contender. Injuries, chemistry issues and midseason roster adjustments have all contributed to the decline.
At the trade deadline, the Kings acquired De’Andre Hunter as part of a multi-team deal while moving Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder — who landed with Cleveland — and sending veteran Dario Šarić to Chicago. Despite the moves, the team has struggled to stabilize its performance.
Lottery Position Becomes Central Focus for Sacramento
With Sabonis sidelined and the team sitting near the bottom of the standings, attention is shifting toward draft positioning. Analysts have noted that Sacramento’s struggles appear driven more by circumstance than intentional rebuilding, distinguishing the situation from teams accused of strategically resting players to improve lottery odds.
The Kings’ current trajectory places them firmly in contention for a top selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, offering a potential pathway to add talent alongside Sabonis once he returns healthy next season.
Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine to undergo season-ending surgery per @ShamsCharania + Dylan Cardwell to miss at least 4 weeks
Likely impossible for the Wizards (or any other team) to out-tank the Kings at this point, just playing for 2nd-worst pic.twitter.com/Kug7TezZ0z
— SleeperWizards (@SleeperWizards) February 18, 2026
Key Quote
Shams Charania reporting Sabonis’ status:
“Kings star Domantas Sabonis will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season after undergoing surgery to repair the torn meniscus in his left knee.”
Zach Lowe on Sacramento’s struggles:
“You have Sacramento — just bad by accident. Just organically, abysmally, depressingly bad.”
