Zach LaVine says he has ‘a lot left in the tank’ ahead of 13th season

Zach LaVine is entering his 13th NBA season with a different role than he’s had for much of his career.

The Sacramento Kings guard has been one of the team’s most accomplished players for years, but at 31, LaVine is now the oldest player on a young Kings roster looking to rebound from a 22-60 season.

LaVine joined Sactown Sports’ Carmichael Dave and Jason Ross at Kings Media Day to discuss his offseason, his motivation heading into Year 13, and his willingness to take on a greater leadership role in Sacramento.

“I’m excited,” LaVine said. “I didn’t love the way that the season ended up last year. I don’t think any of us did. It was bad.”

Injuries played a major role in Sacramento’s struggles. LaVine appeared in just 39 games last season, while Domantas Sabonis played 19 and Keegan Murray appeared in 23. De’Andre Hunter appeared in only two games before being shut down with an eye injury.

LaVine still produced when healthy, averaging 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 47.9% from the field and 39.0% from three.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 24: Zach Lavine #8 of the Sacramento Kings in action against the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center on October 24, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

More from Kings SG Zach LaVine

Now, Zach LaVine sees an opportunity to help guide a team that has added young talent, including seventh overall pick Darius Acuff Jr., while getting key players back from injury.

“I think I’m the oldest guy on the team,” LaVine said. “I have the most experience. And nobody else is in the role. I’m gonna need to actually speak and be a little bit more involved with that. And I’m looking to take on that role.”

LaVine understands that leadership isn’t simply about giving speeches. He learned from veterans such as Kevin Garnett, Mo Williams and Thaddeus Young early in his career, and he wants to provide younger teammates with the same kind of support.

“You have to invest time into people,” LaVine said. “The best thing you can give is people your time because you can’t get that back.”

That mentality could be particularly valuable for a Kings team attempting to establish a new identity under Doug Christie.

LaVine also isn’t shying away from the outside expectations—or lack thereof. Sacramento enters the season facing relatively low external expectations after last year’s disappointing finish.

“I like thriving in these types of situations because you get a chance to shut people up,” LaVine said.

SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 13: Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings looks to the bench between plays in the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Golden 1 Center on April 13, 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 Kavin Mistry/Getty Images)

More than anything, though, LaVine remains motivated by the game itself. Entering his 13th season, he said financial security and longevity haven’t diminished his desire to work.

“I didn’t play this game to just, ‘Oh, I’m doing this to make money.’ I love basketball,” LaVine said. “I love competing.”

That motivation remains as strong as ever. LaVine said he still expects himself to be the best player on the floor whenever he steps onto it, regardless of opponent.

“I got a lot, lot more left,” LaVine said. “I got enough juice in the tank and enough fuel.”

LaVine is entering the final season of his contract before he becomes a free agent next summer. If he performs, it could lead to wins for Sacramento, and potentially another lucrative deal on the open market.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Ben Simmons is ready for a fresh start in Sacramento
• Doug Christie: Kings have ‘every opportunity’ to build a new identity
• Domantas Sabonis has his eyes on a bounce-back season
• Ben Simmons has ‘no limitations’ entering Kings Training Camp
• Doug Christie sets Kings’ defensive standard ahead of 2026-27 NBA season

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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