Luka Doncic is in the conversation for MVP again this season, but staying on the court could be his biggest challenge.
He’s made a strong start to the 2025-26 campaign. The Los Angeles Lakers guard is producing across the stat sheet while managing to play under control.
Even when he isn’t scoring at a high rate, his ability to run an offense and create opportunities has been vital for the Lakers.
Doncic’s improved fitness and defense have been noticeable early in the season, but those contributions have only mattered when he’s available to play.
So far, Doncic has already missed four of the Lakers’ first seven games. If he wants a serious shot at winning MVP, it can’t continue like this.
Luka Doncic can’t miss more than 13 games going forward
Luka Doncic has already missed 4 games for the LA Lakers this season, and that puts the All-Star guard in a tough spot.
The NBA has set a rule that players must play at least 65 of the 82 games to qualify for end-of-season awards like MVP.
Doncic now faces the challenge of getting through the remaining schedule with only 13 more games to spare if he wants to remain in contention for MVP honours.
Not meeting that mark could once again take him out of the running. It’s early days, but Doncic is already dealing with this pressure.
The Lakers will need to manage his workload carefully to keep him healthy and on the court as much as possible from here on out.
Doncic steps up as the face of the Lakers
Since LeBron James’ exit, the Lakers had struggled to find a player capable of filling his shoes. Anthony Davis never quite managed to step into that role, leaving a gap in leadership and star power.
The trade for Doncic looks to have finally solved that issue. The Slovenian guard has quickly become the centrepiece of the team, giving fans hope for a new era built around his game.
READ MORE: Anfernee Simons shares his honest reaction to being traded to the Boston Celtics
Doncic now finds himself on a growing list of big names who have worn the purple and gold. Names like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson — and others — have all led this franchise at some point.
Luka Doncic winning an MVP award would only add another layer to his growing legacy with this franchise.
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