Getty
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings looks on against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on December 30, 2025 in Inglewood, 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 Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The Sacramento Kings haven’t had much of anything to boast about since a surprise playoff berth three years ago.
The franchise has been stuck in a tailspin outside of that outlier season, waffling between trying to build for the future and assembling a team good enough to compete now.
Nothing has worked, and it appears things will stay that way for years to come.
The Kings have once again been ravaged by injuries this season. StarsDomantas Sabonis andZach LaVine, once thought of as the core of a rising contender in Sacramento, have combined to play just 58 games this season.
The only healthy star has beenDeMar DeRozan, who has played in 72 games this season. But going on 37 years old, DeRozan is clearly a few steps past his prime and no longer a player teams can build a winner around.
Another bright spot on the roster has beenRussell Westbrook, until recent news revealed more bad for the Kings.
Sacramento Kings Announce Tough Russell Westbrook News
At 37 years old, Westbrook, a former perennial All-Star and MVP, continues to stake claim as longevity kings.
LeBron James,Steph Curry,Kevin Durant andJames Harden have company. Westbrook is another iconic 2010s star showing he has plenty left in the tank, though his play has gone largely underappreciated because he is doing it on a lowly 19-win team.
Prior to missing the last two games, Westbrook had been a durability monster. He has played 64 games this season. Over the previous decade, the former MVP played in over 80% of regular season games every year.
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – OCTOBER 28: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
However, Westbrook began battling a foot injury recently, and it has kept him out of the last two games.
The future Hall of Famer underwent MRI testing, revealing irritation in the joint in his right big toe, according to the Kings.
Unfortunately, the team has announced Westbrook will be out indefinitely.
Kings say guard Russell Westbrook recently underwent MRI imaging on his right foot after missing the last two games due to foot soreness. MRI imaging was consistent with irritation in the joint of the first toe on his right foot. He will be listed as out until further notice.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) March 25, 2026
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Kings Stuck in a Mess With No Direction for the Future
For Sac-Town, losing Westbrook means another star will be in street clothes for a while.
Although Westbrook is no longer the superstar of the past, he has assembled a more-than respectable campaign, averaging 15.2 points (highest in three years), 5.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game on 42.7% shooting overall and an improved 33.8% from 3-point range.
He has even turned back the clock several times this season with six triple-doubles on the year. He has also been a strong mentor and leader on a team with some young talent.
But Westbrook’s production serves little benefit for the future of the Kings franchise.
The roster holds a mish-mash of ill-fitting talent and a large variance in age. Is the team trying to get competitive now, or is it looking to take shape for the future? Perhaps even Sacramento doesn’t have an answer for that.
The 2025-26 season is another lost one for the Kings. With just a few games left in the season, there is little to play for and even less understanding of the future.
It’ll be an interesting offseason for them.