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The Dallas Mavericks' star player Kyrie Irving, a nine-time NBA All-Star, has suffered a season-ending injury. Irving tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, which means he will be unable to play for the remainder of the season.

Irving sustained the injury during Monday's 122-98 defeat against the Sacramento Kings in Texas.

The 32-year-old guard has been a regular fixture for Dallas this season, featuring in 50 of their 62 fixtures to help them to 10th in the Western Conference.

"Kai, you are resilient. Excellence, leadership and dedication is who you are. We know you'll come back stronger than ever," the Dallas Mavericks posted on X.

After picking up the injury Irving hopped as he was helped back on to the court to convert two free throws before exiting the game.

It is the third high-profile NBA injury in three weeks after San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama - the number one draft pick in 2023 - was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder which will likely see him miss the rest of the season, while Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid is also out for the campaign with a knee injury.

Irving has averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists this season.

Reserve guard Jaden Hardy also sustained an injury to his right ankle during the third quarter on Monday.

Irving's injury is a further blow to Dallas' hopes of reaching the play-offs, with Anthony Davis, who only joined on 8 February in a trade from the LA Lakers, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford and Caleb Martin also sidelined.