LeBron James: One of two Lakers ranked in the “Too Early” race for MVP?

Luka Doncic has gone from Rookie of the Year to possible MVP!

To become the NBA MVP, the first thing voters look at is winning. That is something that Luka Doncic seemed to figure out early.

Before the season, Doncic pointed out that the Dallas Mavericks needed to end their playoff drought after three years of watching at home. As the leader of the team, he set a goal for the franchise and boy have Luka and the Mavs delivered.

Dallas has been a pleasant surprise this year firing out of the gate. As of this writing, Dallas is now fourth in the Western Conference with an 12-6 record leading into the Mavericks showdown against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Doncic has averaged a 30-point triple-double over his last 15 games. The only players in NBA history with longer such streaks: Oscar Robertson (twice), Tiny Archibald, Michael Jordan and Russell Westbrook.

But what has Doncic in the conversation for MVP is his penchant to show up in big games with stars. There’s no time like the present when it comes to Luka.

Just last Sunday, Doncic won his duel with James Harden as the Mavericks got out with a win. the 41 points and 10 assists are not empty stats. He has not only raised his level of play but others as well. Tim Hardaway Jr., who has struggled at times this season has gotten himself on track as well.

Doncic made more history in this game. He joined LeBron James as the lone players in NBA history to have multiple outings with at least 40 points and 10 assists before their 21st birthday. Speaking of LeBron James, the Lakers game was really Luka Doncic’s coming out party being named in the MVP race. Remember this play?

https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1190482104309571584

Doncic was not on the floor at the time this happened. When he was out there, he took the Lakers’ defense apart with constant lobs to the basket that had the big men perplexed. Doncic was part of a triple-double showdown with LeBron James scoring 31 points, collecting 13 rebounds and 15 assists.

They both combined to make NBA history as the two players with the biggest age difference to have triple-doubles in the same game. Whether Luka Doncic is in the conversation because he’s new and exciting or for other reasons, it doesn’t matter right now.

Just like Charles Barkley said in the discussion, Luka is BALLING right now.