Luka Doncic’s Historic Surge: The Case for the 2025-26 NBA MVP
As the NBA regular season enters its final stretch, the conversation surrounding the Most Valuable Player award has shifted dramatically toward Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic. Following a historic month of March, Doncic has transformed from a perennial candidate into a frontrunner, powering the Lakers to one of the hottest streaks in the league.
The 27-year-old guard has combined individual brilliance with team success, leading Los Angeles to a 49-26 record before securing their 50th victory of the season with a 42-point performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 31. With the Lakers now sitting at No. 3 in the Western Conference, the narrative has shifted from whether Doncic is in the race to whether he is the definitive choice for the trophy.
The Statistical Engine of the Lakers’ Success
Luka Doncic’s impact on the Lakers’ standings is undeniable. Since January 18, the Lakers have posted a 24-10 record, which represents the second-most wins in the NBA during that specific span. Coach JJ Redick has been vocal about Doncic’s role in this ascent, describing him as the “engine that’s driving all of our winning.”
The numbers since February 28 highlight a period of absolute dominance. During this stretch, the Lakers went 14-2 while Doncic averaged:
- 36.5 points per game on 49.3% shooting (39% from three)
- 8.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game
- 2.3 steals per game
Coach Redick noted that Doncic’s physical conditioning is a key factor in this late-season push, stating that his current level of fitness is perhaps the best it has been since his first or second year in the league. ESPN reports that Redick believes if the team and Doncic maintain this momentum, the MVP award should be his.
A Month for the History Books
March 2026 will be remembered as one of the most dominant single-month stretches in NBA history. Doncic became just the 10th player in league history to score 600 or more points in a single month. His total tally for March included 600 points, 128 rebounds, 118 assists, and 80 made three-pointers. Heavy.com highlights that this period included seven 40-point games and 12 consecutive games of 30 or more points.
Beyond the totals, the highlights were staggering. Doncic recorded a 24-hour stretch where he scored 100 points and delivered the first 60-point performance by a Laker since Kobe Bryant’s final career game. This offensive explosion has not come at the expense of team chemistry. instead, it has propelled the Lakers to win 15 of their last 17 games. The Los Angeles Times notes that this success coincides with LeBron James tying the all-time record for combined regular season and playoff wins.
The MVP Debate: Humility vs. Campaigning
Despite the mounting evidence, Doncic has taken a reserved approach to the MVP race. While other top contenders, such as the San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, have actively stated their case for the award, Doncic has refused to campaign. When questioned about his candidacy, Doncic stated, “I’m not the one voting… But I believe I’ve been playing pretty good. We’ve been winning. That’s it.”
- Team Impact: Led Lakers to a 14-2 record in March and a No. 3 seed in the West.
- Historic Scoring: 10th player ever to score 600+ points in a single month.
- Elite Efficiency: Averaging 36.5 PPG on nearly 50% shooting since Feb. 28.
- Clutch Performance: Recorded the first 60-point Laker game since Kobe Bryant’s retirement.
Looking Ahead
With only seven games remaining in the regular season, the MVP race is “piping hot.” The combination of a top-three seed in a competitive Western Conference and a historic individual statistical run puts Doncic in a prime position. If the Lakers continue their current trajectory, the “MVP” chants echoing through arenas from Los Angeles to Miami may incredibly well become a reality.
Related reading