The LA Lakers seem to have found their groove, emerging as genuine title contenders after a period of introspection. With an impressive eight-game winning streak, they’ve navigated a challenging schedule, taking down formidable opponents like the Knicks, Wolves, and Nuggets at home, as well as the Rockets and Heat on the road. At the center of this resurgence is their star, Luka Doncic.
Doncic has been nothing short of phenomenal this season, especially in recent games. He’s led the Lakers in scoring in 16 of his last 17 outings, including a jaw-dropping 60-point performance last night, bringing his total to 100 points over the last two games.
His brilliance has transformed what seemed to be a two-team race between the Thunder and Spurs in the West, with the Lakers now firmly holding the 3-seed. This shift has caught the attention of NBA analyst Stephen A.
Smith, who is now championing Doncic as a leading MVP candidate.
On First Take, Smith expressed his newfound admiration for Doncic and the Lakers. “I don’t think we have a choice,” he remarked about Luka’s MVP prospects.
“He’s electrifying, a scoring sensation, and a superstar in this league. It’s time to give him the MVP consideration he deserves.”
Doncic’s stats are hard to ignore. He’s leading the league with 33.4 points per game and ranks second in 3-pointers made. His playmaking skills are equally impressive, averaging 8.4 assists per game, just behind Nikola Jokic and Cade Cunningham.
Adding to the praise, Brian Windhorst highlighted the Lakers' resilience in their latest victory, despite a grueling travel schedule. “They didn’t land until 4 a.m., didn’t get to the hotel until 5 a.m.,” he pointed out.
Despite these challenges, Luka, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, all initially questionable, played and helped the team overcome an early 15-point deficit. Windhorst also noted the significant defensive improvements in both the team and Luka’s game, addressing a long-standing issue.
After first-round playoff exits in the past two years, the Lakers are poised to make a deeper run this season. The Western Conference is stacked with talent, but with their current form and Luka’s exceptional play, the Lakers are set to be a formidable opponent.