Lakers, Luka Doncic
Getty
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Slovenian guard Luka Doncic has fallen to No. 4 on the latest KIA MVP Ladder despite his historic stretch for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Doncic, who was ranked No. 2 behind reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as of March 20, dropped two spots in the latest MVP Ladder, now ranking behind new leader Victor Wembanyama, SGA and Nikola Jokic.
NBA.com’s Shau Powell explained why it was a very tough decision to drop Doncic to No. 4, even as the Lakers star continues to put up unheard-of offensive stats.
“The league’s leading scorer is nearly averaging a triple-double and is ripping through a torrid March with games of 60 points, 50 points and three with 40 points,” wrote Powell while making a case for Doncic to win his first Micahel Jordan Trophy.
“He’s averaging 39.5 over his last 11 games. Also, he has elevated the Lakers to a lofty spot in the West and potential home-court advantage at least in the first round of the playoffs.
Luka Doncic on Historic Run
“One reason for the surge is that the Lakers’ defense — and Doncic’s defense — has improved since the season began,” Powell continued. “He’s averaging 2.5 steals over his last 11 games, which shows growth in Doncic. He didn’t always put defense first, partly because he burns more energy than most on offense.”
By dropping 39 points to lead the Lakers to a road win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, Doncic became the first player since Michael Jordan to average over 40 points over a six-game span, all on the road, per the league office.
Furthermore, earlier this month, Doncic became the first player in NBA history to amass at least 390+ points, 80+ rebounds, 70+ assists and 25+ steals over a 10-game stretch. Most crucially, the Lakers went 9-1 during the stretch.
Luka Doncic NBA MVP Odds
While Doncic has dropped to No. 4 on the KIA NBA MVP Ladder, he has the second-shortest odds (+900) to win the award behind SGA (-700), per DraftKings Sportsbook.
With only nine games remaining in the season, Doncic might need to go on another scoring tear to persuade voters. Unfortunately for Doncic, injuries could derail his late charge, with the Lakers listing him as questionable with a hamstring strain for Friday night’s clash against the Brooklyn Nets. Doncic, who has played 61 of the Lakers’ 73 games, must play at least four more games to maintain eligibility for the MVP award.
Even if Doncic were to average 40 points in his last nine games, some voters and analysts have already ruled him out of NBA MVP contention. Among them is veteran analyst Michael Wilbon, who doesn’t view Doncic as a legit MVP candidate.
“I think it’s Jaylen Brown one, I think it’s SGA two, and I think it’s Victor three,” Wilbon said.
“And then don’t talk to me about a guy who plays half the court, Luka Doncic.”
Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas also doesn’t view Doncic as MVP material.
“To me, right now, there’s only two guys that you can really say is the most valuable to their team… and that’s Wemby and Jaylen Brown,” Thomas told FanDuel TV’s “Run it Back” on Thursday, while throwing shade at Doncic.