Momentum can reshape narratives in the NBA, and right now, the Los Angeles Lakers are riding a wave largely powered by Luka Doncic.
As the regular season edges toward its conclusion, head coach JJ Redick is no longer speaking cautiously about his star guard’s place in the MVP conversation. He’s making it clear where he stands.
Doncic‘s recent stretch has done more than just boost the Lakers in the standings; it has reignited debate around one of the league’s most competitive award races. With scoring explosions, consistent production, and a central role in the team’s identity, the Slovenian star has forced his way back into the spotlight.
Redick, for his part, has taken that conversation a step further.
“If we continue to finish the season the way we’re playing right now, if he continues to play that way. To me, he is the MVP,” Redick said.
That statement reflects not just a coach backing his player, but a broader belief that Doncic‘s impact goes beyond traditional metrics. While the MVP race often hinges on team success and narrative timing, the Lakers‘ late-season surge has strengthened both aspects of his case.
“I think when we started 15-4, you could’ve made an argument that he was the MVP then. He’s been the MVP for two of the three segments of the season.”
A surge that demands attention
Doncic‘s numbers tell part of the story, but the timing of his performances may be just as significant. Over recent weeks, he has delivered a string of dominant outings, including multiple 40-point games and a standout 60-point performance that underscored his ability to take over contests entirely.
That run has coincided with a sharp rise in the Lakers‘ form, pushing them into a strong position in the Western Conference and giving credibility to Redick‘s argument.
In a season where availability and consistency have impacted several contenders, Doncic‘s sustained production has become a defining factor for Los Angeles.
League-wide, the MVP race remains crowded, with stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and others maintaining strong campaigns. But Doncic‘s late push, combined with his role as the Lakers‘ offensive engine, has made it increasingly difficult to overlook his candidacy.
Redick also hinted that context has played a role in how Doncic‘s season has been perceived. Team inconsistency earlier in the year may have muted his visibility in the race, even as his individual output remained elite. Now, with the Lakers finding rhythm, that perception appears to be shifting.
The argument ultimately centers on value, a term that can be interpreted in different ways. For Redick, the definition is straightforward: where would the Lakers be without Doncic performing at this level?
As the season winds down, the MVP debate is likely to intensify rather than settle. Voters will weigh team records, statistical dominance, and narrative arcs. Doncic now has a compelling case in all three areas, especially if the Lakers maintain their current trajectory.
