The Los Angeles Lakers' impressive nine-game winning streak came to an end in Detroit on Tuesday night. The Eastern Conference-leading Pistons managed to hold off the Lakers, securing a 113-110 victory against a team energized by Luka Doncic's stellar performances.
This streak had propelled the Lakers to third place in the Western Conference standings. With the inconsistent play of teams like the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets, the Lakers seem poised to maintain their position as the regular season progresses.
Despite Doncic's electrifying form, averaging over 40 points per game during the streak and leading the league with a 33.4 points per game average, his chances for his first NBA MVP award remain uncertain. According to Yahoo Sports' Ben Rohrbach, Doncic currently sits fifth in the MVP race, trailing behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic, and Cade Cunningham.
One aspect impacting Doncic's MVP candidacy is the Lakers' defensive rating. When Doncic is on the floor, their defensive rating sits at 115.5, placing them in the bottom 10 for defensive efficiency. While Rohrbach acknowledges Doncic's recent defensive improvements, maintaining that level throughout the season could bolster his MVP case.
On the offensive side, the Lakers shine with Doncic in play, scoring 119.1 points per 100 possessions, which rivals the league's second-best offense. This offensive prowess underscores Doncic's impact, making him a pivotal figure in the Lakers' success.