Ben Simmons is getting plenty of the comeback talk, and for good reason. But Zach LaVine is in the same kind of fight in Sacramento, only with a different kind of pressure hanging over him.
Like Simmons, LaVine is on an expiring deal with the Kings. His current contract runs out after the season, and his future in Sacramento already looks finished.
A trade does not appear likely, largely because of how expensive the rest of that contract is. For any team that wants him, the cleaner move is to wait until 2026-2027 ends and make a lower offer then.
That leaves this season as a proving ground. LaVine’s time with the Kings has been a disappointment for both sides, and the article makes clear this partnership has gone wrong from start to finish. He and Sacramento both need a reset, and that split seems inevitable once the season is over.
The wider point is that LaVine is not just trying to move on from the Kings - he is trying to re-establish himself in the league. His reputation has taken a hit over the last few years, even if his situation is not built on the same injury concerns Simmons has faced. This season is about restoring trust, not just surviving the calendar.
And the standards are not the same. Simmons can get by if he stays healthy and gives the Kings 10 minutes a game.
LaVine’s task is much tougher. He has to show he can still be a scorer teams believe in, a true “shooter's shooter,” if he wants another shot at a meaningful contract and a real next stop.
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Kings Fans Shouldnt Miss Whats Emerging With Nique Clifford
Nique Cliffords preseason has already offered the kind of early glimpse Kings fans love to see from a young player trying to carve out a bigger role. After arriving in Sacramento as a 2025 draft pick, he flashed right away with a big first outing, then settled into quieter scoring nights as the exhibition slate moved along, but the broader trend has been encouraging because his approach has stayed assertive.
Clifford has looked more aggressive with the ball, getting into his offense earlier and doing more than just hunting points. His shot volume, passing, and work on the defensive end have all pointed to a player trying to round out his game as he heads deeper into his sophomore season, and the next step is turning that activity into more consistent production from the perimeter. [Read more 🡒]
Kings Fans Are Starting To See What Acuff Could Change
Sacramentos preseason has offered a clearer look at the direction this roster wants to go, and Darius Acuff Jr. has been one of the early reasons for optimism. The rookie has flashed in a lineup that is being reshaped around a tougher defensive identity, and his scoring burst in recent action gave Kings fans a glimpse of a player who can fit into more than one version of the offense as the season approaches.
The broader makeover matters just as much. Sacramento has been working to balance its roster with more reliable defense on the perimeter, and the additions around Acuff suggest the front office is trying to make sure the offense is not carrying the whole load again. For a team trying to change its feel, the interesting question now is how much of Acuffs preseason promise can carry over once the games start counting. [Read more 🡒]
Ben Simmons Is Giving The Kings A Real Lineup Test
Ben Simmons is back in the mix for Sacramento, and the Kings are already using the preseason to figure out what his presence means for their lineup. After a long absence, Simmons returned to game action and logged nine minutes in an exhibition against Golden State, a small sample but an important one for a team trying to see how his versatility fits with a younger roster. Sacramento has been willing to experiment, and this is the kind of trial that can shape more than just a rotation spot.
The real test comes in how the Kings pair him with rookie Darius Acuff Jr., with the idea being to simplify Acuffs job while also seeing whether Simmons can handle the demands of a larger role again. It is a balancing act between spacing, functionality and confidence, and it leaves Sacramento with a familiar early-season question: how much can a lineup gain from Simmons if it has to be built around what he can still give, not just what he once was? [Read more 🡒]