Kings’ Zach LaVine showed up with that shooter’s touch to open the preseason

Zach LaVine displayed encouraging confidence and shooting form in the Sacramento Kings' preseason home opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. Writer Ian Goodwillie highlights that while LaVine only played roughly 15.5 minutes, he scored nine points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field alongside one defensive rebound, demonstrating renewed energy and engagement.

Goodwillie notes that the performance marked a promising rebound following an injury-plagued 2025-2026 season. LaVine missed 52.5% of the previous campaign due to multiple injuries, including back issues, a severe ankle sprain, and finger surgery, but showed improved defensive effort alongside teammate Domantas Sabonis in his preseason return.