Domantas Sabonis has his eyes on a bounce-back season

Domantas Sabonis is ready to put last season behind him.

After undergoing knee surgery and missing significant time for the first extended injury absence of his career, the Sacramento Kings center has officially been cleared and is looking forward to getting back on the court.

Sabonis told Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys that he was cleared in August and has spent the last two months working out normally and rebuilding his conditioning.

“Yeah, full go. I got cleared in August,” Sabonis said. “It’s been a good two months of just working out normally, getting back in shape, and yeah, just super excited, you know, super appreciative that I’m healthy and I’m here today.”

The injury was difficult for Sabonis, especially because it was his first major injury and first surgery. Watching the Kings from the sideline was especially frustrating for one of Sacramento’s most competitive players.

“As a competitor, I believe if I was there, I could have changed things, made them a little bit better,” Sabonis said. “So that was definitely very, very hard for me personally.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 03: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after the Kings made a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at Golden 1 Center on January 03, 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 Domantas Sabonis

Now healthy, Domantas Sabonis also understands that his role within the Kings’ locker room could look different.

With veterans such as DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook no longer on the roster, Sabonis and Zach LaVine are now among the team’s oldest players.

“Me and Zach are the oldest guys right here, which is pretty crazy,” Sabonis said.

That leadership could be particularly important as Sacramento integrates seventh overall pick Darius Acuff Jr. Sabonis has already gotten some work in with the rookie point guard and believes their pick-and-roll chemistry is developing quickly.

“Very excited, very talented point guard,” Sabonis said. “We haven’t even really got many reps in, so I’m just excited for the future.”

Sabonis enters the season as a three-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, while also having led the NBA in rebounds per game from 2022-25 (three straight seasons).

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 24: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after he made a basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half 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)

He also sees an opportunity for Sacramento’s offense to rediscover some of the style that made the Kings so entertaining during their Beam Team era.

“I hope so,” Sabonis said when asked whether his role could evolve under head coach Doug Christie. “Those first Beam Team years, that was a lot of fun for me. It was good for the team. The city loved it.”

With Domantas Sabonis healthy, Acuff entering the backcourt and Ben Simmons providing another high-IQ playmaker, Sacramento has plenty of new pieces for its veteran center to work with.

And Sabonis appears ready to lead the way.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Ben Simmons has ‘no limitations’ entering Kings Training Camp
• Doug Christie sets Kings’ defensive standard ahead of 2026-27 NBA season
• Kings GM Scott Perry details Ben Simmons signing, Sacramento’s new team identity
• Sacramento Kings release 2026-27 training camp roster
• Do the Sacramento Kings face brutal reality ahead of 2026-27 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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