Kenny Caraway wants to see an aggressive Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine has the scoring ability to help define the Sacramento Kings’ offense. Kenny Caraway wants to see him use it more often.

Caraway joined Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to discuss Sacramento’s outlook, including how LaVine and rookie Darius Acuff Jr. could shape the backcourt. Caraway expects both to score, and said LaVine shouldn’t worry so much about a reputation as a volume shooter.

“Sometimes I’m like, ‘Hey, here’s Zach LaVine. Shoot the ball. I don’t want to move the ball around. I want you to shoot the rock,’” Caraway said. “I want to see him consistently with 17 shot attempts a night.”

Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings stands on the court during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Golden 1 Center on February 24, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

More on Kings SG Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine’s previous season was cut short by a hand injury. He appeared in 39 games in 2025-26, averaging 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 47.9% from the field and 39% from three.

He underwent season-ending surgery after the All-Star break, which ruled him out for the rest of the regular season.

Now LaVine is entering the final year of his contract, with a salary of about $49 million for 2026-27. He can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

A strong season would give the Kings a clearer picture of how he fits with their young core—and give LaVine a chance to show what he can do in a full campaign.

Caraway said he was encouraged by the effort LaVine showed on defense last season, even if he doesn’t expect him to shut down elite guards. He sees the same potential for Acuff, who has shown energy on defense during the preseason.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings poses for a picture during the Kings Media Day at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 28, 2026 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The bigger opportunity, Caraway said, is the scoring the two guards can bring. He believes the Kings could have two high-level scorers in the backcourt, and wants Acuff to stay aggressive as he adjusts to the NBA.

“There’s going to be good nights, and there’s going to be bad nights with a 19-year-old rookie playing point guard in the NBA,” Caraway said. “But what I don’t want to see is I don’t want to see him lose his confidence.”

For LaVine, the challenge is to be a consistent offensive force while sharing the backcourt with a young point guard who also needs room to grow.

Caraway’s message is simple: Zach LaVine shouldn’t be passive. If he’s open, take the shot—and keep pressuring defenses.

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

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Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Wednesday, October 21st @ Los Angeles Clippers (7:30 P.M. PT)
• Friday, October 23rd vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, October 25th vs. Memphis Grizzlies (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)

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