The win was even more impressive considering it came just one night after a huge 124-116 road win over the Houston Rockets.
Advertisement
Doncic made 18 of 30 shots, including 9 of 17 on 3-pointers, and contributed seven rebounds, three assists and five steals. The scoring production tied for the second most in Doncic’s career. Additionally, he has scored at least 30 points in every game of the Lakers’ winning streak.
MORE: LeBron James shares surprise update on NBA ownership plans
On ESPN’s “First Take,” NBA analysts Stephen A. Smith and Brian Windhorst addressed the topic of whether Doncic should be considered a leading candidate for league MVP.
“I don’t think we have a choice,” Smith said. “I’m embarrassed that I didn’t mention Luka for league MVP consideration before this morning. That ends now. That gets corrected right now. Luka Doncic has been sensational.”
Advertisement
James recorded 19 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, while tying Robert Parish’s all-time NBA record for games played with 1,611. Los Angeles erased a 15-point deficit to hand the Heat their third straight loss.
Windhorst praised the Lakers for their toughness and determination in back-to-back efforts.
“I can’t express how much I enjoyed watching them compete in the last three games, and especially Luka,” Windhorst said. “The way he approached this game was absolutely impressive.”
Added Windhorst: “Some of the shots he made in this game were absolutely incredible.”
Still, Windhorst said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is his leader in the NBA MVP race. Gilgeous-Alexander won the award in 2024-25.
Advertisement
“Shai plays on both ends and his consistency is incredible,” he said.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Doncic has moved up to second place in NBA MVP odds. Gilgeous-Alexander still leads at -1000, followed by Doncic (+1500), Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs (+2500) and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets (+3500).
At 45-25, the Lakers are in third place in the Western Conference. They return to action on Saturday at 7 pm ET on the road against the Orlando Magic.
— Enjoy free coverage of top news and trending stories on The Big Lead —
MARCH MADNESS: Predict March Madness upsets in the 2026 NCAA tournament
Advertisement
NFL DRAFT: Mel Kiper’s new NFL mock draft shows the big impact of free agency
Major Leagues: Dodgers announce Shohei Ohtani’s spring training pitching debut
National Football League: Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl out for regular season with lower-body injury
ENTERTAINMENT: Is ‘Bachelorette’ Still Airing Amid Taylor Frankie Paul’s Domestic Dispute Allegations?
VIRAL: Livvy Dunne Shares ‘Baywatch’ Workout in BTS Swimsuit and Photos from Set