LaVine: Kings Need Time to Gel in the Regular Season

The Sacramento Kings are 0-3 for the first time since 2022-23, and Zach LaVine revealed the team is still trying to build strong chemistry.

LaVine said the team won't gel anytime soon, and everybody needs to figure out each other's strengths. Domantas Sabonis, rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and LaVine have been the most consistent contributors, but the talent isn't coming together to win.

Building chemistry does take time, but experimenting in the regular season is dangerous. Training camp and preseason are the perfect time to learn strengths and weaknesses to prepare for the grueling 82-game season.

Sacramento didn't value its preseason action. Coach Doug Christie rested Sabonis played two games and Keegan Murray played three games, two of his three starters.

Resting starters is common, but they only play the first half until the last few games. Christie valued the bigger picture, prioritizing their health and giving the back-end rotation and two-way players playing time.

LaVine's comments kind of offered insight into organizational dysfunction. He said sometimes gelling comes from the top down or a certain veteran leader, using Chris Paul as an example.

Vivek Ranadivé, the Kings owner, has been heavily scrutinized for his hands-on approach to handling team matters.

Carmichael Dave, host of the "Carmichael Dave Show," highlighted that Ranadivé makes questionable decisions when the team is close to turning the corner. He relieved former general manager Monte McNair, who helped build the roster that broke a 16-year playoff drought, of his duties last March.

Wes Wilcox, McNair's assistant general manager, voluntarily walked away to become the Utah Utes' general manager.

Ranadivé also made headlines for apparently turning a team dinner into a roast session. Zach Lowe, host of the "Zach Lowe Show," said the owner allegedly told the team all the ways they've been failing.

Sacramento has a few veterans in LaVine and Sabonis, who should be leaders, but are likely on their way out.

Their recent comments in the first week of the season have been interesting. Sabonis said the offense runs better when he's the offensive initiator, and that came after Acuff opened the season shooting 5-for-24 in the loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Fans and Kings' media felt his comment threw the rookie under the bus. Acuff bounced back with a 33-point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers and a few assists to the three-time All-Star.

Building chemistry will take time for Sacramento, but it must happen sooner rather than later to break a three-game losing streak.