Zach LaVine talks championship hopes after summer of Kings trade questions

Zach LaVine is entering his 13th NBA season, and he knows exactly what’s missing from the résumé.

That, ladies and gentlemen, would be winning.

LaVine told Sam Yip of HoopsHype in an exclusive interview that after accomplishing plenty individually, he still hopes to experience a deep playoff run and perhaps eventually play for a championship team.

“I’ve done a lot of things individually,” LaVine said. “And you just keep pressing to try to fulfill more and more goals, winning, trying to get deep in the playoffs. Hopefully you get a chance to be able to play on a championship team.”

That’s an interesting comment given LaVine’s uncertain standing in Sacramento.

The Kings reportedly explored sign-and-trade possibilities involving LaVine this summer before he exercised his $49 million player option. He’s entering the final season of his contract, and there’s been no indication Sacramento views him as part of its long-term plans.

So this could become something of a prove-it year for both sides.

LaVine appeared in only 39 games last season, but he’s a year removed from averaging 23.3 points while shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 44.6 percent on 3-pointers. A healthy and productive LaVine would help the Kings. It could also make him considerably easier to trade before February.

Meanwhile, LaVine told HoopsHype that his longevity has given him a different perspective.

“The NBA’s tough, man,” he said. “It’s hard to make the NBA. It’s even harder to stay, and it’s even harder to be successful.”

LaVine has certainly stayed. Whether the next chapter remains in Sacramento is another matter.