As the Los Angeles Lakers ride a late-season wave, Luka Doncic has emerged as a formidable MVP contender, according to ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. Doncic's stellar performances during the Lakers' eight-game winning streak have been nothing short of historic, showcasing his consistent scoring and overall influence on the court.
Doncic has been averaging an astounding 40.9 points and 7.4 assists, setting records that even Lakers legends like Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Magic Johnson haven’t achieved. Over this stretch, Doncic has racked up 100 points in just the last two games, maintaining a streak of scoring over 30 points in each game. It’s not a matter of sporadic brilliance; it’s about consistent dominance.
One of his standout performances came against the Miami Heat, where Doncic exploded for 60 points, complemented by seven rebounds, five steals, and three assists. He was efficient from both the field and beyond the arc, demonstrating his ability to control the game while maintaining impressive efficiency.
Throughout the Lakers' winning streak, Doncic is averaging 40.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. He’s shooting 50.2 percent from the field, 42.2 percent from three-point range, and 78 percent from the free-throw line, all in 37.5 minutes per game.
Smith highlighted Doncic's season-long excellence, ranking him among the league's elite. The Lakers have been hitting 38.5% of their three-pointers since the trade deadline, and Doncic is leading the league in scoring at 33.4 points per game, while also ranking third in assists. Alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaylen Brown, and Victor Wembanyama, Doncic is firmly in the MVP conversation.
Despite the Lakers' earlier inconsistent stretch, Smith argues that Doncic's current form is undeniable. Though the team's mid-season .500 record might affect his MVP chances, Doncic's unique style of play-often described as deceptively slow yet unstoppable-makes him a standout.
Smith also touched on the broader implications of Doncic's performances for the Western Conference. With Doncic playing at this level, dismissing the Lakers as a genuine threat seems premature. Oklahoma City and San Antonio might have their opinions, but with Doncic in this kind of form, the Lakers are a force to be reckoned with.
"Luka Doncic averaging 40.9 points and 7.4 assists... What he has done over this 8-game span, no Laker has ever done in history. Not Shaquille O'Neal, not Kobe Bryant, not Magic Johnson. Nobody... He's a league MVP candidate."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 21, 2026
— Stephen A. Smith 🙌pic.twitter.com/CH6gldgfBJ
The Lakers, boasting a 45-25 record, aim to extend their winning streak to nine games as they face the Orlando Magic (38-31) on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. PT on NBA TV.