Kings Suffer Another Blow to Their Depth After Major Backup Trey Lyles' Injury Diagnosis

Trey Lyles - Sacramento Kings v Los Angeles Clippers

(Photo : Harry How/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - Trey Lyles (#41) of the Sacramento Kings dribbles past Russell Westbrook (#0) of the LA Clippers during a 119-99 Clippers win at Crypto.com Arena on December 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

The Sacramento Kings have confirmed that power forward/center Trey Lyles has sustained an MCL sprain and will undergo reevaluation in two weeks.

The 28-year-old picked up the injury during their home victory against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, March 12, after colliding with Bucks center Brook Lopez on a rebound play.

The 6-foot-9 player has served as a solid backup for Kings star Domantas Sabonis this season. He has averaged 7.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 49 games played.

This setback for Lyles comes at a crucial juncture in the regular season, as the Kings seek to solidify their position as the sixth seed of the highly competitive Western Conference to avoid the play-in range.

Currently, this range includes teams boasting elite players such as Kevin Durant and Devin Booker with the Phoenix Suns, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving with the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors.

Kings hit with injury bug

Lyles' injury compounds the woes of the Kings' depleted lineup. Rookie power forward Sasha Vezenkov will also sit out his 15th consecutive game on Saturday, March 16, against the New York Knicks at home due to an ankle sprain.

Additionally, guard Kevin Huerter is questionable for the game due to a right leg contusion. He missed their most recent game against the Los Angeles Lakers.