Hoop DossierZach LaVine
Sacramento Kings · Guard · 6′5″ 200 lb · age 31 · UCLA · 13th season
Availability
Tomorrow @ SASNot listed official report not submitted yet
Lineups not confirmed yet
Teammates out
Recent changes
- Oct 16Lineupmoved into the starting lineup vs SAS (preseason)
Season form
3 games this seasonStarts 3 of 3 games · 1st on SAC in minutes · Core role
Bars: minutes in his last 3 games · numbers: points
Situational splits: turn on Prediction tools.
What's being said
43 items · 6 sources this season- Podcast Locked On Kings · 7 points ·
- Zach LaVine scored 37 points on 13-of-25 shooting and went 8 of 8 from the free-throw line. at 24:07
- Zach LaVine got fired up after a missed goaltending call on which he was also hit in the face. He yelled at several officials, and the host was surprised he did not get a technical. The host said LaVine talked about the play after the game. at 24:01
- Zach LaVine (reported): After the game, Zach LaVine joked about Ty Jerome's free-throw attempts, saying "it must be nice." The host thinks Jerome took 15 free throws (hedged). Ty Jerome appears to be an opponent and is not on the Kings roster list. at 2:43
- Zach LaVine came in averaging 25 points per game on 47.1% shooting and 35.3% from three. The host's rough math puts him at about 29 per game now (hedged), and the host cautions that this is a small sample. at 3:16
- The host says Zach LaVine is playing out the final year of his contract. The host also notes there was offseason chatter about whether LaVine would be back. at 5:12
- The host says Zach LaVine is defending better than usual, especially on the ball. The host also says he is playing the passing lanes better and had a couple of steals. at 5:57
- The host says the team is trying to push Acuff to be a closer (hedged: "I think"). He expects that to take time and says much of the closing will probably fall on Zach LaVine, who has not historically been a closer. at 7:49
“Zack LaVine GOT ANGRY, but it still wasn't enough to get the Kings over the hump for their first win” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Kings host (unnamed) (reported), via Locked On NBA · Relayed report · around the league
Portland beat Sacramento 128-120 in the Kings' home opener, and the Kings are 0-2. Darius Acuff Jr. scored a career-high 33, 22 of them in the second half. Sabonis had 27 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists for his 69th career triple-double. LaVine scored 22. The Kings struggled to execute in crunch time.
“BEST NBA NIGHT EVER! YOU HAD TO BE THERE!” at 29:09 · listen ↗
- Bluesky James Ham (@jameshamnba.bsky.social) · Report ·
Ugly third quarter for the Kings. They trail 93-70 heading to the fourth. 20 points for Zach LaVine. 14 points and 15 rebounds for Sabonis. No other Kings player is in double figure scoring. Acuff is 3-of-21 from the field in his debut.
- X Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) · Report ·
Kings are starting Darius Acuff Jr, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, De’Andre Hunter, Domantas Sabonis tonight at LA
also reported by James Ham, Locked On Kings
- Podcast Numbers on the Board host · Report · around the league
A host recalls Simmons putting up roughly 15-8-8 in his last preseason game, and says he was linking up with Zach LaVine on lobs and back-door cuts.
“The NBA Is Back! + We Draft Potential First Time All-Stars | Numbers On The Board” at 23:00 · listen ↗
- Podcast Hardwood Knocks host · Opinion · around the league
Dan would want Kings players who matter beyond this season, Acuff, Raynaud, Emanuel Sharp and Clifford, on the floor in close games. He asks how Doug Christie will balance veterans Sabonis, LaVine and Monk against development.
“1 Big Question For Every NBA Teams In The Western Conference” at 1:04:09 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Kings host · Report ·
Zach LaVine had 22 points on 6-of-15 shooting (3-of-9 from three), 5 rebounds and 2 steals against the Blazers. The host says he is also playing much better defense.
“Despite loss, Darius Acuff Jr. and Domantas Sabonis quiet the CHEMISTRY ISSUE chatter” at 28:25 · listen ↗
- Podcast James Ham, Locked On Kings · Report ·
The host says the Kings were 'lit up' by the Clippers in the opener. He calls Sabonis and Zach LaVine bright spots.
“Can the Kings create MORE OPPORTUNITIES for Domantas Sabonis on the offensive end?” at 2:47 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On NBA host · Analysis · around the league
Gavin (inferred): Domantas Sabonis had 14 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists but took only five shots, and Gavin wants him to shoot more. Keegan Murray went 1-of-8. Zach LaVine was really the only one providing offense.
“GAME NIGHT: Ant/LaMelo SHINE in Debut, Luka talks trash, Ty Jerome goes OFF” at 37:59 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Kings · 4 points ·
- Zach LaVine scored 28 points, 18 of them in the first half. He shot 10 for 19 and 3 of 8 from three, with 4 rebounds and 4 assists. at 16:19
- The host thought LaVine played well defensively and had some nice defensive moments, though not perfect. He says the Kings should keep going to LaVine until Acuff gets his NBA sea legs. at 25:53
- Host opinion: despite the buzz around Acuff, LaVine and Sabonis are still the team's best two players, at least for now. He says the Kings' success this season starts with them. at 17:07
- The host recalls that last season LaVine averaged a little under 30 over the first six games ('I think') and a little over 17 for the rest of the season. He says LaVine would say the Kings went away from him. at 18:49
“Darius Acuff Jr. STRUGGLES WITH SHOT in season opener, Kings fall to Clippers” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Kings · 3 points ·
- Mark Jones thinks the LaVine–Acuff backcourt Zach LaVine and Darius Acuff Jr is still pretty solid, and that the front line needs much more tinkering without Simmons. name not confirmed at 17:23
- Mark Jones thinks scoring will be okay. He calls Zach LaVine still the most prolific scorer, and says Acuff showed in the Golden State game he can hit mid-range jumpers coming off handoffs/DHOs from Sabonis. at 20:58
- Mark Jones says LaVine has had a great camp and has been better defensively in preseason and five-on-five scrimmages, delivering the '25% more' that Scott (Perry) asked of him last year. Jones predicts the best version of LaVine this season. at 35:04
“SEASON PREVIEW, can the Kings recover from Ben Simmons injury? With play-by-play voice Mark Jones” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On NBA · Analysis · around the league
James Hamm says the Kings are stuck in a rebuild with a couple of giant salaries they can't move. Hayes points to Zach LaVine's contract.
“Ranking ALL 30 NBA Teams! Our Official 2026-27 Tier List” at 2:35 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Kings host · Report ·
At Sunday practice, media asked for Simmons, but at the last minute Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine spoke instead. Reporters were told Simmons had something to get to, which the host now says was an MRI.
“Ben Simmons tears Achilles, handing Kings a CRUEL BLOW days before start of 2026-27 NBA season” at 2:07 · listen ↗
- X James Ham (@James_HamNBA) · Report ·
Zach LaVine on building chemistry and getting everyone out on the court:
- Podcast Locked On Kings · 9 points ·
- News at 3:40 said Ben Simmons, Domantas Sabonis, Darius Acuff Jr., Precious Achiuwa, De'Andre Hunter and Zach LaVine would all play against the Spurs. at 2:29
- The listed starters against the Spurs were Acuff, LaVine, Keegan Murray, Ben Simmons and Sabonis. at 2:48
- LaVine played 39 games last season and missed 43 after pinky surgery to repair a tendon (mallet finger). The host says he looks great now. at 4:35
- Doug Christie kept his starting five on the floor much longer than the host expected; the starters, including LaVine, played most of the first half. at 7:46
- Second-half opening group: Simmons at point guard with Emanuel Sharp, LaVine, Hunter and Sabonis. The host says it looked a little better, with similar results. at 10:41
- Several returning players got to 25, 26 or 30 minutes; LaVine reached 30 minutes. at 8:28
- Simmons and LaVine connected, including a half-court alley-oop for a dunk. The host thinks Simmons can create open catch-and-shoot threes for Acuff and Murray. at 18:22
- LaVine had 20 points, 3 steals, 3 assists and 3 rebounds in 30 minutes, shooting 6-of-12 from the field, 1-of-5 from three and 7-of-7 from the line. at 29:14
- The host says LaVine has had a very nice camp and preseason and is the one player clearly ready for the 2026-27 season. The Kings need his scoring to take pressure off Acuff. at 28:36
“STARTERS REVEALED? Kings fall to 0-5 for the preseason, but did we finally see their starting five?” · listen ↗
- X Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) · Report ·
Zach LaVine tee'd up by referee Brent Haskill. LaVine earned it. That $2000 fine is going to come out to about $250 per F-bomb.
- X James Ham (@James_HamNBA) · Report ·
Kings hammered by the Spurs in the first quarter, trail 42-18. Zach LaVine leads with 8 points. Kings shoot 26.1% from the field and look out of sync.
- Podcast Locked On Kings · 3 points ·
- host's source (reported): According to the host's source, Zach LaVine was always planned to play some but not all of the five preseason games, so Tuesday was a scheduled game off. at 8:55
- Host says Zach LaVine is 100% healthy, has had no injuries, and is expected to be ready for the season opener next week. at 10:17
- The host has heard that Zach LaVine looks great in training camp and solid in games, and has become more vocal, taking on more of a leadership role. at 9:39
“Kings set to finish preseason schedule, will we see the STARTING FIVE or more injuries?” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Kings host · Report ·
Darius Acuff Jr, Keegan Murray and Zach LaVine have each hit a couple of threes in the preseason.
“Have the Sacramento Kings made DEFENSIVE STRIDES during the preseason?” at 10:06 · listen ↗
- Podcast James Ham, Locked On Kings · Report ·
Eight Kings sat out the Tuesday preseason game against Portland: Darius Acuff Jr., Zach LaVine, De'Andre Hunter, Ben Simmons, Malik Monk, Domantas Sabonis, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell.
“Kings continue to play with a DEPLETED ROSTER, will they be healthy in time for the season opener?” at 3:04 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Kings · 2 points ·
- James Ham: The host has liked what he has seen defensively from Acuff Jr. and LaVine in some preseason games. at 9:40
- James Ham: The host expects Simmons, Sabonis and Acuff to draw defenders, leaving Murray and LaVine wide open on many nights. at 21:45
“Is Ben Simmons an OPENING NIGHT STARTER for the Sacramento Kings?” · listen ↗
Podcast items are our short summaries of what was said, credited to who said it; posts and stories link to the original. Opinions and rumors are labelled as such and are not checked facts.
Game log
● = started2026-27 season
| Date | Opp | Min | Pts | Reb | Ast | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25 | MEM L | 40 min | 37 pts | 2 reb | 5 ast | 3 3PM |
| Oct 23 | POR L | 39 min | 22 pts | 5 reb | 1 ast | 3 3PM |
| Oct 21 | @LAC L | 34 min | 28 pts | 4 reb | 4 ast | 3 3PM |
2025-26 season (last season) · 39 games
| Date | Opp | Min | Pts | Reb | Ast | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 6 | LAC L | 18 min | 6 pts | 2 reb | 4 ast | 0 3PM |
| Feb 4 | MEM L | 22 min | 11 pts | 1 reb | 0 ast | 1 3PM |
| Feb 1 | @WAS L | 35 min | 35 pts | 6 reb | 2 ast | 4 3PM |
| Jan 30 | @BOS L | 23 min | 17 pts | 4 reb | 1 ast | 1 3PM |
| Jan 29 | @PHI L | 29 min | 17 pts | 1 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Jan 23 | @CLE L | 23 min | 10 pts | 0 reb | 0 ast | 2 3PM |
| Jan 21 | TOR L | 38 min | 19 pts | 1 reb | 5 ast | 2 3PM |
| Jan 20 | MIA L | 22 min | 18 pts | 1 reb | 5 ast | 3 3PM |
| Jan 18 | POR L | 29 min | 18 pts | 0 reb | 1 ast | 3 3PM |
| Jan 16 | WAS W | 32 min | 16 pts | 2 reb | 3 ast | 3 3PM |
| Jan 14 | NYK W | 36 min | 25 pts | 5 reb | 1 ast | 5 3PM |
| Jan 12 | LAL W | 32 min | 19 pts | 4 reb | 1 ast | 3 3PM |
| Jan 11 | HOU W | 28 min | 18 pts | 2 reb | 1 ast | 3 3PM |
| Jan 9 | @GSW L | 30 min | 15 pts | 3 reb | 3 ast | 1 3PM |
| Jan 6 | DAL L | 37 min | 20 pts | 4 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Jan 4 | MIL L | 36 min | 20 pts | 3 reb | 4 ast | 2 3PM |
| Dec 14 | @MIN L | 16 min | 10 pts | 1 reb | 1 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 8 | @IND L | 38 min | 16 pts | 2 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Dec 6 | @MIA W | 39 min | 42 pts | 5 reb | 1 ast | 8 3PM |
| Dec 3 | @HOU L | 19 min | 2 pts | 1 reb | 1 ast | 0 3PM |
| Nov 30 | MEM L | 35 min | 19 pts | 3 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 28 | @UTA L | 39 min | 34 pts | 2 reb | 6 ast | 4 3PM |
| Nov 26 | PHX L | 32 min | 13 pts | 2 reb | 2 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 24 | MIN W | 32 min | 7 pts | 3 reb | 1 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 22 | @DEN W | 36 min | 15 pts | 2 reb | 3 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 20 | @MEM L | 26 min | 26 pts | 2 reb | 2 ast | 4 3PM |
| Nov 19 | @OKC L | 30 min | 8 pts | 4 reb | 2 ast | 0 3PM |
| Nov 16 | @SAS L | 25 min | 8 pts | 2 reb | 3 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 14 | @MIN L | 36 min | 25 pts | 6 reb | 3 ast | 4 3PM |
| Nov 11 | DEN L | 35 min | 12 pts | 4 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 9 | MIN L | 30 min | 26 pts | 4 reb | 2 ast | 6 3PM |
| Nov 7 | OKC L | 29 min | 9 pts | 2 reb | 2 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 3 | @DEN L | 37 min | 15 pts | 5 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 1 | @MIL W | 39 min | 31 pts | 4 reb | 2 ast | 6 3PM |
| Oct 29 | @CHI L | 36 min | 30 pts | 3 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Oct 28 | @OKC L | 35 min | 23 pts | 4 reb | 3 ast | 4 3PM |
| Oct 26 | LAL L | 40 min | 32 pts | 4 reb | 0 ast | 4 3PM |
| Oct 24 | UTA W | 37 min | 31 pts | 2 reb | 1 ast | 4 3PM |
| Oct 22 | @PHX L | 35 min | 30 pts | 2 reb | 1 ast | 2 3PM |
How his numbers change by situation, with four seasons of history →
Predictions about him
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