Zach LaVine had a message for fans as he prepared for his Sacramento Kings debut on Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic.
He’s excited about the opportunity, doesn’t take it lightly, and is ready to do everything he can to help the team win.
“They take time to come here to watch the game, spend their hard-earned money to watch and cheer on the team,” LaVine said at his introductory press conference, just days after being traded from the Chicago Bulls. “I’m going to be right there with them and do everything I can for the city.”
LaVine, who was drafted 13th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2014, expressed his affection for his new team.
He worked out for the Kings before being drafted. His family is originally from California, and he owns a home in Newport Beach.
In 2018, he signed a four-year, $78 million offer sheet with the Kings, which the Bulls matched.
Additionally, both LaVine and Kings interim coach Doug Christie are from Seattle.
“I’ve been a fan of (the Sacramento Kings) for a long time,” LaVine said. “I thought I was going to sign here six years ago. I’ve had a good relationship with a lot of guys who played here, and I understand the culture here from me being from the West Coast.”
LaVine, a two-time All-Star, was traded to Sacramento (25-24) as part of a three-team deal with Chicago and the San Antonio Spurs, who received former Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox.
The Bulls got Kevin Huerter from the Kings and Zach Collins from the Spurs. Jordan McLaughlin moved from Sacramento to the Spurs, Sidy Cissoko went from the Spurs to the Kings, and Tre Jones was sent from the Spurs to the Bulls. The Kings also acquired six future draft picks — three first-round picks and three second-round picks.
Kings general manager Monte McNair praised LaVine as an “incredible talent,” a strong shot-maker, and “somebody who puts his stamp on the court.”
LaVine is currently averaging 24 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 34.1 minutes per game across 42 games. He ranks fifth in 3-point shooting percentage this season and holds the highest field-goal percentage from beyond the arc among players with at least 100 3-pointers made this season.
LaVine is reuniting with DeMar DeRozan, who played three seasons with the Bulls. They are excited to play together in the Western Conference.
“It just shows you how crazy this business works and how it comes around full circle,” DeRozan said. “I am excited for the guys who will play with him and I am excited for the fans to see what he is capable of doing.”
