Lakers' Luka Doncic Drops Mic on MVP Case After JJ Redick Starts Campaign

Doncic's recent scoring surge has the Lakers surging towards the playoffs.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:05pm

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic has been on a tear lately, averaging close to 40 points per game as the Lakers have won 13 of their last 14 games. This has prompted Lakers coach JJ Redick to start campaigning for Doncic to win the MVP award. However, when asked about making a strong case for himself, the 27-year-old Doncic was modest in his response, saying he's just focused on playing well and winning games. Doncic's teammate Rui Hachimura was more vocal in touting Doncic's MVP-caliber play, noting his offensive dominance and improved defense.

Why it matters

Doncic's scoring surge and the Lakers' recent success have put him firmly in the MVP conversation. As one of the league's biggest stars, his performance and potential award could have major implications for the Lakers' playoff push and the NBA landscape.

The details

Doncic has been on a tear lately, recording seven 40-point games in his last 13 appearances. He is averaging 33.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game this season, putting him on pace to win his second scoring title in three years. Doncic's impressive play has helped the Lakers clinch a playoff spot for the fourth straight year, as they have gone 13-1 in their last 14 games.

  • Doncic recorded his seventh 40-point performance in 13 games on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • The Lakers have won 13 of their last 14 games, clinching a playoff spot for the fourth straight year.

The players

Luka Doncic

A 27-year-old guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who is averaging close to 40 points per game during the team's recent surge, putting him firmly in the MVP conversation.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers who has started campaigning for Doncic to win the MVP award.

Rui Hachimura

A teammate of Doncic's on the Los Angeles Lakers who has vocally touted Doncic's MVP-caliber play, noting his offensive dominance and improved defense.

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What they’re saying

“I never did that, and I'm not the one voting, so (I don't know). But I think I've been playing pretty well and we've been winning, so that's it. That's all I got to say.”

— Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers Guard

“You can see he's the MVP. I don't really know anything about it, but all I can say is that he's the MVP of this league. What he does, what he brings to the game, every game, literally, and just how talented he is offensively. He's been amazing.”

— Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers Forward

What’s next

The Lakers will continue their playoff push, with Doncic's performance likely to be a key factor in determining their postseason success.

The takeaway

Luka Doncic's dominant scoring and the Lakers' recent surge have put him firmly in the MVP conversation, despite his own modest approach. His teammate Rui Hachimura's strong endorsement highlights Doncic's immense impact on both ends of the floor, making him a leading candidate for the league's top individual honor.