Domantas Sabonis Injury Update Sparks Major Concern as Kings Star’s Knee Issue Benches Him for Weeks During Critical Stretch

The Sacramento Kings suffered a devastating blow as star big man Domantas Sabonis will be out between three and four weeks.

According to NBA insider Shams Charania on Thursday, Sabonis has a partially torn meniscus in his left knee. His injury re-assessment is scheduled in about a month, which could see him be sidelined for up to 11 games.

Sabonis did not play in the Kings' previous game, a 113-99 loss to the OKC Thunder on Wednesday, due to left knee soreness. Further testing on Thursday revealed that he has a tear in his meniscus, which, according to reports, will not require surgery to repair.

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Through 11 games this season, Sabonis is averaging 17.2 points and 12.3 rebounds on 51.0% shooting. The Lithuanian star has missed three other games due to a hamstring pull and a rib injury.

With Domantas Sabonis out, Sacramento coach Doug Christie could tap Drew Eubanks, Precious Achiuwa and Maxime Raynaud for extended minutes at center.

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Domantas Sabonis is a subject of trade rumors amid the Kings' dismal start

Coming into Thursday, the Sacramento Kings have lost seven straight games by double digits. They hold the second-worst record in the Western Conference at 3-12. Amid their dismal start this season, there have been talks that the Kings might hit the reset button, paving the way for stars like Domantas Sabonis to be on the market.

According to NBA insider Sam Amick, league sources indicated that multiple teams are expected to show interest in trading for Sabonis should the Kings make him available.

"So, as it relates to Sabonis, my understanding is there are at least a few teams that have raised their hand to say, ‘Yeah, he’s somebody we’d want to talk about,'" Amick said on "The Carmichael Dave Show" on Nov. 13.

Domantas Sabonis is a three-time NBA All-Star. He arguably had his best season with Sacramento in 2022-23 when he helped break the franchise's 16-year playoff drought. He also finished seventh in MVP voting and was named to the All-NBA Third Team.

Should the Kings decide to enter a rebuild, former All-Stars DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are also expected to generate interest.

Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos