Following a dazzling performance against the Miami Heat, Luka Doncic propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to a 134-126 victory, marking their eighth consecutive win. With a jaw-dropping 60-point game, Doncic has forced many to reevaluate his MVP candidacy.
Critics like DeMarcus Cousins, Kendrick Perkins, and Lou Williams had previously cast doubt on Doncic's MVP prospects. Perkins even questioned his spot on the All-NBA first team. However, after witnessing Doncic's latest display, Perkins tweeted:
“The Lakers got into Miami at 4 am this morning, and Luka decides to drop a 60-piece all flats??? I’m going to have to drop somebody, but he’s definitely got me rethinking who’s going to be my five players for first team All-NBA. God bless America.”
Initially, Perkins favored Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cade Cunningham over Doncic. Yet, considering Doncic's dominant season and Cunningham’s injury woes, a reevaluation seems prudent.
Cousins also acknowledged his misjudgment, praising Doncic's performance:
“Yeah, I was wrong af!! Luka first team without a doubt, and also, time to have a real convo about MVP this season, because sheesh!! This version of the Lakers is a scary team come playoffs!”
Williams chimed in with a series of laughing emojis, admitting, “I was wrong.”
Doncic is undeniably making a strong case as a genuine MVP contender. Over the last eight games, he's been virtually unstoppable, averaging 40.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. These numbers solidify his status as arguably the league's best player right now.
With 30+ points in eight straight games and a staggering 100 points in the last 24 hours, Doncic is leading the league with an average of 33.4 points per game over 58 appearances. His efforts have guided the Lakers to a 45-25 record, placing them third in the NBA, with a 9-1 run in their last 10 games.
Doncic is in fierce competition with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama for the MVP title. Jokic's eligibility hangs in the balance if he misses more games. While team records might favor Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama, Doncic's individual brilliance keeps him firmly in the MVP conversation.