Zach LaVine met with reporters Thursday for his end-of-season press conference, just one day after the Sacramento Kings were eliminated from the Play-In Tournament by the Dallas Mavericks.
LaVine, who joined the Kings in a midseason trade, reflected on the organization’s recent front-office shakeup, saying, “It’s the nature of the business… things move really fast.”
The 30-year-old shooting guard responded to questions about Sacramento firing general manager Monte McNair and bringing in a new executive Scott Perry, calling it part of the league’s constant evolution.
Since arriving in February following the trade of De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio, LaVine has averaged 22.4 points in 36.6 minutes per game.
He emphasized the need for continuity heading into the offseason, stating that the franchise must find “consistency—players, coaches—a firm direction.”
The Kings, who dismissed head coach Mike Brown earlier in the season, closed the year with a 9–17 record under interim coach Doug Christie.
LaVine expressed no frustration with the team’s roster makeup, acknowledging that “roster construction isn’t up to the players,” and maintained a professional approach regarding front-office decisions.
He also reiterated his appreciation for Sacramento’s fanbase, calling them “some of the best,” and said it was a “blessing to be on a team that wants you.”
LaVine missed time earlier in the year due to injury but returned to play in 73 games overall, finishing the season on a high note statistically.
“I think I improved a lot this past year,” he said. “Over 50 percent from the field, damn near led the league in three-point percentage.”
As for his future, LaVine still has two years remaining on his $215 million deal, with the final season being a player option.
He indicated that he’s open to staying in Sacramento long-term if the organization commits to building a winning foundation.
“If we’re going in the right direction, why wouldn’t I want to be in a great place like this?” he said.
He also addressed his growing chemistry with center Domantas Sabonis, noting improvements in their dribble handoff game over the final stretch of the season.
Despite the Kings’ 120–106 loss to Dallas on Wednesday night, LaVine said he’s already focused on preparing for next season and plans to take time to rest before resuming offseason training.
He called the year “long” due to the trade, time away from his family, and recovering from injury, but stressed the importance of using the offseason to reflect and reset.
“Later in the season, we started getting our DHO game a lot better,” LaVine said of working with Sabonis. “You need a training camp, preseason, offseason… with time, it’ll be great.”
LaVine closed the session by affirming his commitment to the game and the city, saying, “I’d be crazy if I didn’t say I wouldn’t want to be in Sacramento.”
