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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Doug Christie of the Sacramento Kings reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the second quarter during an NBA Cup game at Golden 1 Center on November 26, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
The Sacramento Kings have struggled all season long to play solid basketball. Right now, they sit 14th in the Western Conference standings. Despite having several veteran players, they were never close to competing this season.
Currently, the Kings have the second-worst offense in the NBA. Injuries have played a role, but they just haven’t been able to score consistently. However, offense wasn’t the issue in their game against the Heat. In fact, they put up 117 points against Miami.
Zach LaVine scored 18 points on 7/10 shooting against the Heat. Yet, Doug Christie was not happy with the way LaVine was playing out there and pulled him from the game. After the game, he called him out for his lack of defense.
GettySacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine drives the ball. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Kings Coach Doug Christie Calls Out Zach LaVine’s Defense
After the game ended, Christie had harsh words for LaVine’s defensive effort.
“Obviously, he shot the ball well, but… we didn’t have a problem scoring tonight… we need to stop somebody.”
LaVine played just 22 minutes in the game, with most of those coming in the first half. Christie clearly was unhappy with his lack of ability on the perimeter defensively. Defense has never been a strong suit for LaVine during his career, but it was especially bad against Miami.
This year, his defense has been especially poor. He has the worst defensive rating of his career with Sacramento. That’s part of the reason why other teams aren’t looking to add LaVine in a trade. Offense has always been LaVine’s calling card at every stop he has had.
Christie’s message may have gotten through to LaVine. If he is going to get playing time during closing time, his defense has to be better. If it isn’t, LaVine will find himself on the bench in the second half of games.
GettySacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis dribbles the ball. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Kings Are in Need of a Rebuild
With the Kings sitting at the bottom of the NBA standings, they are in desperate need of a rebuild. They have too many veteran players who don’t help them win, so they need to get younger. The trade deadline would be a good time to accumulate assets.
Domantas Sabonis is the best trade asset that Sacramento has. Several teams would be interested in trading for him, even though he is injured. Sabonis is one of the best passers and best rebounders in the NBA at the center position, even though is defense is limited.
Trading away Sabonis would allow the Kings to accumulate some assets to rebuild the rest of the roster. Getting younger should be the top priority for Sacramento heading into next season. That will be the fastest way for them to start on a journey towards being playoff contenders once more.
At this point, it is unclear how active the Kings will be at the trade deadline. Either they will be sellers, or they will stand pat.