Is Sabonis ‘Quiet Quitting’ on Kings After Magic Loss?

Domantas Sabonis finished with arguably the worst game of his career in the Sacramento Kings' 107-100 loss to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.

Sabonis went scoreless on two shots, grabbed two rebounds and dished out five assists. Tuesday's loss could've been a win if he had been more aggressive.

Kevin O'Connor, Yahoo Sports podcaster and writer, believes the three-time All-Star is quietly quitting because he doesn't want to be in Sacramento.

It's a bold assertion. The 6-foot-11 center's offensive involvement has been inconsistent alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr.

Acuff averages 22.8 shots per game, the third-most behind Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He's becoming the Kings' offensive engine, the role Sabonis played since the team traded for him at the 2022 deadline.

The 19-year-old's playmaking skills have improved recently, and he is making a concerted effort to find his big man in the pick-and-roll.

Sabonis is also two games removed from his 17-point, 12-rebound double-double against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. It was his seventh double-double of the season and his second consecutive, following a 16-point, 17-rebound performance against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

He started strong, dominating the boards. The Lithuanian center recorded 15 or more rebounds in four games in October and surpassed Eddie Johnson for ninth place in the franchise's all-time offensive rebound list.

O'Connor's statement about Sabonis' displeasure in Sacramento could be supported. Brian Windhorst, an ESPN sportswriter, highlighted Sabonis changing agencies to CAA.

Trae Young also switched to CAA in May 2024. The Atlanta Hawks traded him to the Washington Wizards, and Washington extended him for four years at $212 million.

Sabonis could aim to follow in Young's footsteps.

However, O'Connor's statement about Sabonis quietly quitting is a bit exaggerated. Sacramento's poor 1-10 start could influence his opinion, alongside a 0-point outing against Orlando.

The Kings' star center still plays starter minutes, rebounds and creates opportunities for his teammates. His offensive involvement waxes and wanes, but it's partially expected with Acuff's otherworldly scoring.

He's key to Sacramento's chances to win. The team needs his rebounding and his playmaking ability as a hub.

Sabonis will have the opportunity to bounce back against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. He'll face a deep Portland frontcourt with Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III.

His future with the Kings has been a hot topic since the offseason, but both parties are likely stuck with each other until the end of the season.