Zach LaVine: ‘I need to support Acuff the best I can’

Zach LaVine has spent much of his NBA career as a primary scorer. But after Sacramento’s 107-100 loss to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, the veteran guard said his role with the Kings is changing as Darius Acuff Jr. takes the lead.

“This is a different—Darius is special,” LaVine said. “And this isn’t for me anymore, you know. And I got to be able to try to support him the best I can. And that’s playing off the ball a little bit more. If that’s in catch-and-shoot situations, that’s the role I’m in now. I can go out and get it. Obviously, like, you tell me to go score, I would do that for sure.

“But I’m trying to be in the best support role I can for him, you know, because he’s gonna be real special, man. And I’ve been in that situation before where I was young on a team that wasn’t winning and the face of a franchise, and I’ve had my ups and downs with that. I’ve had my mistakes, obviously, but, you know, if I can share any wisdom or help, I think that’s my duty now.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: Zach LaVine #8 instructs Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena on October 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, 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 Luke Hales/Getty Images)

More on Darius Acuff Jr.

Darius Acuff Jr. finished with 29 points and six assists against Orlando, extending his run to seven straight games with at least 20 points and five assists.

That put the rookie fourth on the NBA’s all-time list for consecutive games at those thresholds, behind Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson.

LaVine, meanwhile, scored 31 points on 10-of-16 shooting, including 6-of-9 from 3-point range. He helped spark Sacramento’s second-quarter comeback from a 14-point deficit, but the Kings couldn’t sustain their momentum.

They fell to 1-10 overall and 0-6 at home, tying the franchise’s worst start through 11 games.

Turnovers were a major factor. Sacramento gave the ball away 20 times, and Orlando turned those mistakes into 33 points. LaVine took responsibility for his own errors after the game.

“I’ve been in the league too damn long to turn the ball over,” he said. “I’ve had careless turnovers, and, you know, it’s a momentum shifter, and it sucks because our margin for error isn’t good enough for that. So I take that one on me.”

This rook is special 🤯 https://t.co/M4Ds812UpI

— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) November 11, 2026

The Kings also struggled to find offense beyond LaVine and Acuff. Domantas Sabonis returned from a one-game absence but finished scoreless, while Sacramento’s fourth-quarter offense went cold as Orlando protected its lead.

LaVine said Acuff will have the ball often, create chances by driving downhill and draw defensive attention. He acknowledged that Sacramento must keep improving around the rookie, but said he wants to use his experience to help the team—and give Acuff room to grow.

For LaVine, supporting Darius Acuff Jr. means adapting his game while helping the Kings turn competitive stretches into wins.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Dwayne Wade: Darius Acuff Jr. is drawing attention to Sacramento
• Bobby Marks: Kings are in position for upcoming financial flexibility
• Jerry Reynolds: Darius Acuff Jr. could be a top-five PG in three years
• Why the Sacramento Kings moved on from Nique Clifford

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Friday, November 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, November 15th vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Wednesday, November 18th vs. Phoenix Suns (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Friday, November 20th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Saturday, November 21st vs. Boston Celtics (7:00 P.M. PT)

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Kings fall to 1-10 as turnovers loom large in loss to MagicDwayne Wade: Darius Acuff Jr. is drawing attention to SacramentoBobby Marks: Kings are in position for upcoming financial flexibilityJerry Reynolds: Darius Acuff Jr. could be a top-five PG in three yearsWhy the Sacramento Kings moved on from Nique CliffordMore history for Acuff, but Kings fall to 1-9 on the season