Kings C Sabonis Wants to Be Primary Offensive Initiator

Despite the Sacramento Kings' 25-point loss against the Los Angeles Clippers, head coach Doug Christie got great production from his top two players.

Zach LaVine scored a team-high 28 points, while Domantas Sabonis recorded a 14-point, 18-rebound double-double.

Sabonis was extremely efficient, making all five of his field goal attempts and converting on four free throws.

The 3-time NBA All-Star was also the Kings' leading assist man, recording eight dimes and looking like his pre-injury self.

Following the game, Sabonis talked about the team's performance, and what he thinks will help the team improve going forward.

"I feel like we're best when we kind of mix it up - point guard shoots, point guard hits the corner, point guard hits me, then I can make the read - that's where I'm best at," Sabonis said.

The former Gonzaga standout noted that he didn't see enough ball movement in Sacramento's opening loss, saying the team "took a lot of one-pass shots."

Getting the ball to Sabonis more often should definitely be a priority, as he has displayed his efficiency and playmaking abilities over the past seasons.

Using Sabonis as an offensive hub on the perimeter, similar to Denver Nuggets star big man Nikola Jokić, would allow the Kings' 3-point shooters to space for open looks.

Last season, the Kings were among the league's worst 3-point shooting teams, but the addition of Darius Acuff Jr. and return of LaVine and Keegan Murray should give Christie more firepower.

The Kings also have upcoming decisions to make about Sabonis and his lucrative contract, as he was discussed as a potential trade target throughout the offseason.

During the Detroit Pistons' Jalen Duren contract saga this offseason, a Sabonis-Duren centered sign-and-trade was discussed, but the Pistons ultimately extended their young big man.

Allowing Sabonis to return to full health and play alongside Acuff is a smart decision, giving the Kings' front office the opportunity to see how he gels with the new-look regime.

But, with the Kings' defensive shortcomings already evident, moving Sabonis remains a possibility.

After missing most of last season, giving Sabonis the keys to the offense would not only alleviate some of the pressure on Acuff and other Kings' ball handlers, but also raise his individual value league-wide.

As Sacramento eases into this season, Sabonis should be the main option on the offensive end.

The Kings are back in action at 10:00 p.m. Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, who picked up a 41-point victory over the Phoenix Suns in their first game.