Luka Doncic is having an MVP-caliber season for the Los Angeles Lakers, and honestly, there is no reason even to debate it. The guy’s stats, the way he impacts wins, and his ability to take over games make him an obvious candidate for the award. Yet somehow, some still question him, and that makes zero sense.
Sam Vecenie recently pointed out on The Game Theory Podcast that “Luka has played 25 of 32 games.” That means he could miss up to 10 more and still qualify for MVP. Staying healthy matters, of course, but given how consistently he is performing, there is really no reason to think he can’t go all the way.
Right now, Doncic is putting up ridiculous numbers. He is averaging 33.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game, constantly flirting with a triple-double. His scoring average is currently the highest among all other NBA players.
Those kinds of numbers are not just flashy; they are game-changing and make him the engine driving the purple and gold. Being an MVP also means being clutch for your team, and this season, Doncic has shown up in the clutch moments.
Clutch performances should help set him apart
The NBA defines clutch time as the final five minutes when the score is within five points, and most teams struggle in this stretch. The Lakers, however, have gone 12-0 in those situations this season, largely thanks to Doncic’s ability to control the game when it matters most.
A recent example came against the Memphis Grizzlies. Doncic finished with a game-high 36 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and a block in 39 minutes. That marked his fourth straight 30-point game and his eighth in 10 contests. Consistency at that level is exactly what MVPs are made of.
Playing alongside LeBron James only strengthens Doncic’s case. After a lot of negative talk surrounding James, he has shown up, proving why he is still elite, even at age 41. LeBron draws defenses, opens lanes, and gives Doncic opportunities to rack up assists while still scoring efficiently.
Add in when Austin Reaves comes back from his injury and the fact that the Lakers could possibly be adding a 3-and-D wing or another needle-mover, and Doncic’s ability to dominate becomes even clearer.
There is still a long season ahead, but Doncic’s performance so far leaves very little room for doubt. He controls the floor, puts up elite numbers, and leads the Lakers to wins. Any talk questioning his MVP worthiness is ignoring the facts.