ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith issued a public mea culpa to Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Luka Doncic after failing to include him among his early-season MVP candidates. The veteran broadcaster admitted on First Take that Doncic’s recent scoring spree forced him to reconsider.
“I’m ashamed that I hadn’t brought up Luka for MVP consideration sooner than this morning. That ends now,” Smith said. “Luka Doncic has been sensational.”
The Lakers have been incredibly impressive on an eight-game winning streak. He’s scored over 30 in each one of those games. He’s scored 100 over the last two games.
Doncic’s season-high 60 points against the Miami Heat on Thursday capped a run of dominance that has vaulted the Lakers into contention. The team extended its winning streak to eight with the 134-126 victory, and has now won 12 of its last 13 games.
Lakers’ surge strengthens Luka’s MVP case
Smith emphasized Doncic’s role in transforming the Lakers into a top-three seed in the Western Conference. “Who deserves it more than Luka right now with what Luka is doing? He’s leading the league in scoring,” Smith said.
The Lakers are winning basketball games. He’s leading the way, and he has LeBron James, who is still playing at an All-Star level, alongside him.
The broadcaster also highlighted the irony of Doncic’s path to Los Angeles, recalling that the Dallas Mavericks once traded him away in a package deal for Anthony Davis. Now, Doncic’s dominance in purple and gold has made him a frontrunner for league MVP honors.
Draymond Green weighs in
Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green echoed Smith’s sentiments, praising Doncic’s ability to elevate teammates. On The Draymond Green Show, he said: “Luka has been playing absolutely incredible.”
Ironically, the Lakers have been playing absolutely incredible. Luka at the top of his game makes everyone around him better. So, you ask yourself, how dangerous can they be in the playoffs?
With Doncic and LeBron James leading the charge, the Lakers’ momentum has positioned them as one of the most dangerous teams heading into the postseason.
