Viktor Lakhin is back with the Sacramento Kings, re-signing a non-guaranteed camp contract to bolster a weakened center rotation, per Keith Smith of Spotrac.
Sacramento waived Lakhin last week, but injuries to Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell have left the team in need of his services. Raynaud (right patellar subluxation) and Cardwell (left calf strain) will miss at least two weeks before being reevaluated.
Losing the second-year centers leaves veteran Domantas Sabonis as the lone reliable big.
Lakhin will compete with Tristen Newton for the Kings' final two-way spot, joining Jonathan Mogbo and Adam Flagler. He'll have to impress quickly, as the last preseason game is Friday against the San Antonio Spurs.
The 6-foot-11 center played in the California Classic and Las Vegas summer leagues. Chris Darnell, Sacramento's summer league coach, started Lakhin when Cardwell and Raynaud rested.
He anchored the defense, using his length to contest shots and make crucial stops. The Kings went wire to wire against the Golden State Warriors in the California Classic, and Lakhin caused chaos in the final moments, forcing much-needed turnovers.
Lakhin had six points and one block in the third quarter. He was at the center of almost every crucial fourth-quarter call.
Golden State tried attacking the Russian center down the stretch for an easy basket, but his defense held, and it came down to the dreaded free-throw game.
RJ Nembhard Jr. ran into the towering Lahkin and turned the ball over. Sharp secured possession and sealed the game with his free throws.
Sacramento needs his defense more than ever. Cardwell averaged 1.5 blocks in 44 games last season, making him the best shot blocker since Richaun Holmes in 2020-21.
He finished third among rookies with 67 blocks. His elite rim protection helped win close games during the final stretch.
Cardwell single-handedly protected his team's lead in its 117-113 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on April 3.
He blocked Zion Williamson's layup with less than 15 seconds remaining and shared an energetic celebration with Russell Westbrook. One possession later, he guarded Jeremiah Fears down the court and blocked his dunk attempt.
Lakhin isn't an elite shot blocker like Cardwell, but he possesses the defensive instincts to anchor the team.
He's played in the G League for the Oklahoma City Blue. The 6-foot-11 forward appeared in 19 games (started 11) and averaged 8.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
Center is a scarce position, as few elite players hit the open market this offseason. Sacramento will have to tread water with Lakhin as Sabonis' backup until one of its young second-year centers returns.