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Zach LaVine Makes Blunt Kings Statement After Recent Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Restrepo | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 2:23 PM ET

The Sacramento Kings are navigating a challenging stretch in the 2024-2025 NBA season.

Following a 113-95 defeat to the Boston Celtics, the Kings’ record stands at 35-36, placing them ninth in the Western Conference.

This marks their third consecutive loss and the first time they’ve fallen below .500 since February 7.

In the recent matchup against the Celtics, Boston’s Jayson Tatum led with 25 points before exiting due to a left ankle sprain.

Despite Tatum’s early departure, the Celtics maintained control, with Payton Pritchard contributing 22 points off the bench.

For the Kings, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis each recorded double-doubles, but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome Boston’s dominance.

As the regular season nears its conclusion, the Kings’ playoff aspirations are in jeopardy.

Currently occupying the No. 9 spot, they are positioned for the play-in tournament but must improve their performance to secure a postseason berth.

With teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder already clinching playoff spots, the competition remains fierce.

LaVine’s honest remarks highlight challenges

Guard Zach LaVine expressed his frustration following the loss to the Celtics.

“The vibe is not good," LaVine said after the loss against Boston.

"It shouldn’t be. We’re not happy with the way we’ve been performing. Individually and as a group. The games aren’t going to stop. It’s nut-crunching time. You figure out how to get a win. We’re playing good in spurts, but that doesn’t win you a game.”

LaVine’s candid remarks underscore the urgency within the Kings’ locker room.

With only a handful of games remaining, Sacramento must address its inconsistencies and rally as a cohesive unit to keep their playoff hopes alive. Which at the moment they seem far away.

The team’s resilience and ability to respond under pressure will be critical in determining their postseason fate.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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