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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
On Thursday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will be in Florida to take on the Miami Heat.
The Lakers most recently beat the Houston Rockets (in Texas) by a score of 124-116.
Luka Doncic finished the victory with an incredible 40 points, nine rebounds, ten assists and one steal while shooting 12/25 from the field and 7/17 from three-point range in 38 minutes of playing time.
Lakers Announce Final Luke Doncic Status For Heat Game
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 16: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action during the first quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
The Lakers have now announced that Doncic has been upgraded to available for Thursday’s showdown with Miami.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote: “JJ Redick says LeBron James and Luka Doncic will play tonight in Miami. Austin Reaves remains a gametime decision.”
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Doncic comes into the night with outstanding averages of 33.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 47.5% from the field and 36.6% from three-point range in 57 games.
FS1’s Nick Wright wrote: “With 4 weeks left… Here’s where I think the NBA MVP race sits:
1- SGA 2- Luka 3- Wemby 4- Jokic 5- Cade
Luka vs Wemby is thisclose and could flip multiple times over last month. But SGA is going to (and deserves to) win, and Luka has clearly played his way into the Top 3.”
nick wright
With 4 weeks left… Here’s where I think the NBA MVP race sits:
1- SGA 2- Luka 3- Wemby 4- Jokic 5- Cade
Luka vs Wemby is thisclose and could flip multiple times over last month. But SGA is going to (and deserves to) win, and Luka has clearly played his way into the Top 3.
Lakers On A Roll
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The Lakers are coming off two straight victories over Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets in Texas.
They have won nine out of their last ten games (and seven in a row).