Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers' shining star, is facing a brief setback with a suspension due to a technical foul in the previous game. However, this hiccup isn't expected to derail his strong bid for the NBA Most Valuable Player award.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick is singing Luka's praises, emphasizing that his fitness level is reminiscent of his early years in the league. Redick is convinced that Luka's performance throughout the season makes him a standout candidate for MVP. According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Redick pointed out Luka's dominance in the first, third, and final stretch of the season.
Doncic, at 27, is lighting up the stat sheet with averages of 33.7 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. Despite injuries plaguing the Lakers, they've managed to hold their ground in the fiercely competitive Western Conference, sitting third behind the Spurs and Thunder.
Breaking down Luka's season, his first 27 games saw him averaging 33.5 points, 8.7 assists, and 7.9 rebounds. In the last 27 games, he's upped his game to 34 points, with 7.9 rebounds and 7.7 assists, according to StatMuse.
His scoring prowess was on full display earlier this month when he dropped 60 points against the Miami Heat and followed it up with a 51-point game against the Bulls. Multiple 40-point games have also been a part of his recent repertoire.
While Redick makes a compelling case for Luka, the MVP race is heating up with Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama also in the mix, thanks to their impactful performances for teams leading the Lakers in the standings.
Doncic's suspension meant he missed Monday night's game against the Washington Wizards, but the Lakers, even without him, were heavily favored against the struggling Eastern Conference team.
The ongoing debate about the Lakers' championship prospects continues, with concerns about their defensive weaknesses. Yet, having talents like Luka and LeBron, both seasoned with Finals experience, certainly boosts their chances.