Luka Dončić is doing what superstars do - setting the tone, lifting his team, and making the extraordinary look routine. The NBA’s leading scorer didn’t just roll into 2026 - he stormed in, averaging 34 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists in January. On Monday, he was officially named the Western Conference Player of the Month, and frankly, it felt like a formality.
This marks the sixth time Dončić has earned the honor, but it’s his first since joining the Lakers - a milestone moment in what’s quickly becoming a marquee chapter in his career.
Let’s talk about the numbers, because they don’t lie. Luka’s January was packed with signature performances.
He dropped 46 points on the Bulls in a win that felt more like a statement, then followed it up with a triple-double - in the first half - against the Wizards. That’s not just dominance; that’s putting the league on notice.
And the Lakers needed every bit of it. January was a grind.
They went 9-7 over the month, holding steady despite missing starting guard Austin Reaves, who’s been sidelined with a calf strain. Without Reaves, the backcourt load got heavier - and Luka carried it with ease.
His ability to control the pace, create offense, and take over when needed has been nothing short of MVP-level.
What makes this stretch even more impressive is that it’s not an outlier. Luka’s been playing at this level all season. He’s not just the best player on the Lakers or in the West - he’s making a strong case as the best player in the league, period.
The fans clearly see it. Dončić led All-Star voting and will make his sixth appearance in the game later this month - his first in a Lakers uniform. It’s another feather in the cap of a season that’s already overflowing with accolades.
And let’s be real: as long as he stays on the floor, Luka’s name is going to be etched on an All-NBA team this year. That’s not even a debate - it’s a given.
At just 26, Dončić is entering the heart of his prime. If January is any indication of what’s to come, this Player of the Month award might be just the first of many during his time in Los Angeles. The Lakers brought him in to be a franchise cornerstone - and he’s delivering exactly that.