Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine is set for season-ending surgery on his right hand following the All-Star break, as reported by NBA insider Chris Haynes on Friday. The two-time All-Star was leading the team with 19.2 points per game this season.
This marks LaVine's second season with the Kings after a midseason trade from Chicago. The injury-plagued Kings, holding the NBA's worst record at 12-44, have faced significant setbacks, including Domantas Sabonis missing time earlier with a knee injury.
LaVine had recently missed three games due to a "right fifth finger tendon injury" on his shooting hand. Earlier in the season, he also missed nine games with a left ankle injury sustained in December.
The veteran guard holds a $48.9 million player option for next season, which he is expected to exercise, though trade rumors are anticipated to resurface in the offseason. Known for his athleticism and dunk contest victories, LaVine's 12th NBA campaign is now cut short.