Zach LaVine Makes History, Provides Hope for Middling Kings

The Kings, despite still technically being in the NBA playoff race, have not had a lot to smile about over the past few games. While trading away star guard De’Aaron Fox set them up for the future, it didn’t do a whole lot for the now.

The franchise hoped that new acquisition Zach LaVine would fill that gap. T

he guard is a strong defender and pure scorer who can attack opposing defenses in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, as with Luka Doncic in Los Angeles, adapting to a new system isn’t easy.

(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

LaVine had some real growing pains when getting used to the Kings’ offense. He still put up some stats, but didn’t quite work within their larger scheme. Everything felt and looked out of sync.

However, things appear to be finally turning around.

Taking the Helm

LaVine may not be a true point like Fox is, but he’s still someone who the team can lean on. That was on full display in Sacramento’s most recent game against the Hornets.

The Kings, coming off of a pair of tough losses, bounced back in a huge way

They creamed Charlotte, getting out to an early lead and never looking back on their way to an easy 130-88 win. There were many reasons for that victory, but LaVine was perhaps the biggest.

• Not only did he do his job on defense, the high-flier also ended the night with 42 points, two assists, three rebounds, and a steal.

That statline wasn’t just impressive, it put LaVine into NBA history by making him the first player to record 40+ point games with 100 percent true shooting efficiency. That firepower is exactly what the Kings need.

Figuring It All Out

LaVine has played eight games with Sacramento. While it started out a little rocky, he’s now seemed to find his groove. That’s huge news for the franchise, because without Fox they have desperately needed someone to step up and take the lead.

In his first four games with his new squad, LaVine put up 18.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 42 percent shooting and 19 percent from three.

Those numbers are fine, but they are certainly not superstar worthy

For the most recent four games, LaVine has averaged 27.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. His percentages also went up to 55 from the floor and 47 from three.

That statline is much more in line with what the Kings expected after the deal, and it’s much closer to his season averages of 23.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.

Providing a Spark

The Kings are just 5-5 over their last ten games, but they've won four of their last six. Things are trending up for everyone in purple and black.

The team is playing at a higher level, and it’s largely thanks to how much energy LaVine has brought to the court.

That play is why they cruised against Charlotte, and it’s why there’s so much optimism around the locker room. Even if the guard’s sudden surge seems surprising, his teammates expected him to find his groove eventually.

“I was just waiting,” said forward DeMar DeRozan of LaVine’s big night

“It took long enough. I kept telling him the whole game, “Just shoot it,” and that’s the outcome…It’s nothing new for me. I think it was just cool to have the bench going and the crowd going as well.

Exactly What They Need

The win against a lowly Charlotte team may not turn the entire season around, but the Kings’ roster has some definite firepower.

If LaVine can keep up his recent play, it could just be the spark Sacramento needs to make a push for the sixth or fifth seed.

“I’ve known Zach and the way that he plays and what he’s capable of,” said interim head coach Doug Christie. ‘To his credit, I thought that he’s been trying to fit in. We need him to be himself so that we can figure out how to best support him.”

All eyes are on the quick guard right now, as they should be

He has pretty big shoes to fill. Though Sacramento won’t have him step up and become a true point anytime soon, he’s doing everything he can to help the team win. Right now, it's hard to ask for anything beyond that.

“It felt good, especially being able to do it here for the first time with the home crowd,” LaVine said after his historic game.

“Played here a bunch of times and [tonight] felt the energy. We needed a win like this, not just me but as a whole team. It was good to get a win like this.”