The Sacramento Kings dropped their eighth straight game Thursday night, a 119-78 blowout at FedExForum that left veterans DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine openly questioning the team’s direction.
Despite welcoming forward Keegan Murray back for his season debut and facing a Memphis Grizzlies squad missing Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., Sacramento fell behind early and never recovered. All eight defeats in the current slide have come by double figures.
DeRozan’s struggles and uncertain future
DeRozan attempted only three shots and finished with seven points, continuing a slow start that has him averaging 17.9 points—his lowest mark in 13 seasons. The 36-year-old acknowledged the emotional toll of the skid.
“Nobody wants to lose the way we’ve been losing,” DeRozan said. “Sometimes when you’re in the deep end, it’s hard to hear anything; you’re just trying to swim your way out.”
Asked about his long-term outlook, the six-time All-Star said, “I’m pretty sure everything comes into question when you’re in the situation we’re in.” DeRozan earns $24.6 million this season; his $25.7 million salary for 2026-27 is guaranteed for only $10 million.
LaVine seeks more aggression
LaVine, who averaged 29.5 points over his first five games, scored 26 on Thursday but noted that recent shot totals of seven and 10 attempts were insufficient.
“I’m not my best self when I take eight to 10 shots,” the 30-year-old guard said. “I can be as efficient as you want me to be, but if I’m taking eight shots, what are we doing?”
LaVine played just two combined minutes in the previous two fourth quarters—both close games—before logging heavier minutes in Memphis. He admitted disliking the late-game benchings but said he understands head coach Doug Christie is searching for solutions.
“I’ll always be a team guy,” LaVine said. “Personally, I don’t like it. I’ve never not played in the fourth, but when you’re trying to find a win, you do whatever you can.”
Sacramento returns home to face its next opponent Saturday, still looking for its first victory since the season’s opening week.
Source: Hoops Rumors
