Zach LaVine's tenure with the Sacramento Kings will likely end this season, and he's been professional early rather than cryptic or disgruntled.
LaVine started the season strong, leading Sacramento with 28 points on 10-for-19 shooting against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. He laced his punch dribble stepback jumpers and blew past defenders with an explosive first step.
His efficient scoring kept the game close in the first half, as the Kings entered halftime down 59-54. Los Angeles pulled away in the third quarter, taking a 14-point lead with seven minutes remaining and rode the momentum to a 121-96 win.
The 12-year veteran shared an insightful postgame response about generating for his teammates who aren't catch-and-shoot specialists. He said the team needs downhill penetration to force the defense to rotate and generate open threes.
LaVine's professionalism is a far cry from his attitude during his April exit interview. The 31-year-old said, "I have a lot of control," referring to his future with a looming $49 million player option.
He exercised his player option in July, but general manager Scott Perry couldn't find any interested trade suitors to take on his contract. Starting his season in Sacramento, ESPN 1320's James Ham believes he's hit the "DeMar DeRozan moment."
Ham highlighted that DeRozan was "doom and gloom" at the end of his first season with the Kings. Entering the next season, the mid-range assassin chose to take on a veteran role and play out the year.
He believes the team will get the same out of LaVine. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard is in a contract year, playing to help Sacramento win and potentially find a new team.
LaVine praised his young teammates during training camp and thinks his game could mesh well with rookie Darius Acuff Jr. Both are high-level scorers, and the veteran excels in off-ball cutting, as defenses fear his 39% 3-point shooting.
Sacramento wants to prioritize developing its young core, but its older players are reliable alternatives to win games. LaVine's scoring can keep the team competing throughout the game, as seen in the first half on Wednesday.
His approach to a contract year on a team with low expectations could accelerate a potential exit. Contending teams expressed interest in LaVine over the last several seasons, and if he maintains an efficient scoring season, they could call Perry to acquire him.
It's a bumpy ride for Sacramento this season, but LaVine is trying to make it as smooth as possible before what seems like an inevitable departure.