The Lakers have flipped the script this NBA season, shaking off early skepticism with an impressive surge up the Western Conference standings. With eight consecutive victories and 11 wins out of their last 12 games, they're proving they’re anything but frauds.
Central to this transformation is Luka Doncic, who’s been nothing short of spectacular. Luka has notched eight straight games with 30-plus points, but he took it up a notch last night, dropping a jaw-dropping 60 points on the Miami Heat.
Luka’s performance was a masterclass in scoring versatility. He was lethal from beyond the arc, hitting 9 of 17 three-pointers, while also dominating inside the paint and at the free-throw line. It’s as if he wanted to remind everyone, especially after Bam Adebayo’s recent 83-point game, who the real threat is.
Leading the league in scoring all season, Luka’s recent exploits have intensified the MVP discussion. Lakers head coach JJ Redick weighed in, praising Luka’s extraordinary run and noting its significance to the team’s success. “We wouldn’t be where we are without him,” Redick remarked, emphasizing Luka’s crucial role despite injuries to key players like LeBron and AR.
Despite being overlooked earlier, the narrative around Luka and the Lakers is shifting. Kendrick Perkins might have left Luka off his First Team All-NBA ballot, but with performances like these, that’s becoming a hard stance to maintain.
Luka’s brilliance has not only elevated the Lakers into serious contention but also highlighted past missteps by former Mavs GM Nico Harrison. Watching Luka explode for 60 points while his old team struggles must be a tough pill to swallow.
The Lakers are peaking at the perfect time. A few weeks back, they were in sixth place, but now they’ve leapfrogged the Wolves, Nuggets, and Rockets to secure the third spot. With a favorable schedule ahead, including games against the Pacers, Nets, and a Cade Cunningham-less Pistons, the Lakers are in a strong position.
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seemed a lock for his second MVP, Luka’s recent performances suggest this race isn’t over yet. If he keeps this pace, the MVP conversation could take an exciting turn.