When Stephen A. Smith praises the Lakers, you know something’s cooking in Los Angeles.
Known for his critical takes, Smith recently tipped his hat to LeBron James for embracing a secondary role, and he's now elevating Luka Doncic as his top MVP contender. This shift in narrative is worth diving into.
Just a few weeks back, the Lakers' defense was in tatters, and their championship hopes seemed as distant as a snowflake in the desert. Critics were quick to point out the lack of chemistry between Doncic, LeBron, and Austin Reaves, and questioned if Coach JJ Redick could rally his squad.
Fast forward to now, and the Lakers have flipped the script. Winning 11 of their last 12 games, they’re riding high on an 8-game winning streak.
Doncic, once criticized for his defensive lapses, has transformed his game, turning the Lakers into a formidable playoff contender. Smith now ranks Doncic among the Lakers' all-time greats.
“Did you know that Luka Doncic is averaging 40.9 points and 7.4 assists over the last eight games?” Smith highlighted on his podcast. “What he’s doing is unprecedented in Lakers history-not even Shaq, Kobe, or Magic pulled this off.”
Doncic’s consistency is nothing short of remarkable. In this streak, he’s scored at least 30 points in each game, amassing 100 points over the last two outings alone. This isn’t a fluke; it’s a testament to his relentless scoring prowess, with impressive shooting splits: 9-17 from deep, 9-13 inside the arc, and 15-19 at the line.
Head coach JJ Redick is also singing Doncic’s praises. “It’s a special run.
We’ve seen legends have these moments, and right now, he’s dominating. We wouldn’t be in this position without his stellar season,” Redick commented.
With Doncic hitting his stride, the championship race is wide open. The Lakers, once long shots, are now serious contenders, especially after their comeback against the Pelicans. Overcoming a 15-point deficit in what Brian Windhorst called “a preposterous back-to-back,” they showcased resilience and determination.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Doncic and the Lakers. If they maintain this momentum, they might just rewrite history.