Doncic MVP? Stephen A. Smith: “Now everything has changed”
Luka Doncic reshapes the 2026 NBA MVP race with unreal numbers and a winning streak that boosts the Lakers. Now the battle with Shai, Jokic, and Wembanyama is more open than ever
The NBA MVP 2026 race remains wide open, but one thing has changed in recent hours: Luka Doncic can no longer be considered an outsider. His 60-point performance against Miami and the Los Angeles Lakers’ winning streak have shifted the balance, drawing attention from one of the most influential voices in the NBA debate.
I’m ashamed I didn’t consider him earlier for MVP. But that changes now. Luka Doncic has been sensational
Stephen A. Smith
According to Stephen A. Smith, Doncic’s name must immediately be included among the top candidates.
He’s scored 100 points in the last two games. I’m looking at the breakdown: he shot 43% in the first quarter, 57% in the second, 60% in the third, and of his 20 points, he scored them on an incredible 83% in the fourth quarter. The kid is simply playing his game
Stephen A. Smith
Words that reflect a now undeniable trend.
MVP-level numbers: Luka Doncic carrying the Lakers
At the most crucial point of the season, Luka Doncic is putting up unreal numbers. During the Los Angeles Lakers’ eight-game winning streak, he has scored over 30 points in every game, reaching a total of 100 points in the last two.
Stats that, combined with the Lakers’ position among the top three in the West, firmly place him in the NBA MVP conversation.
The comparison: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic
Until a few weeks ago, the race seemed like a two-man battle between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.
- Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the best record in the NBA (55-15), averaging over 31 points with elite efficiency.
- Jokic, despite the Denver Nuggets sitting sixth, continues to dominate with near triple-double averages (28.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, 10.5 assists).
Both have built strong cases based on consistency and impact. But now the focus shifts: Doncic is raising his level at the most decisive moment.
The evolution of Luka Doncic
One of the long-standing critiques of Doncic has been his defense. Even this season, there is still room for improvement, but recent signs are encouraging.
Better focus, improved reads, and more consistent impact are contributing to the Lakers’ leap forward. He’s not an elite defender yet, but he’s no longer such an obvious liability.
NBA MVP 2026: is Luka Doncic the favorite?
This is where the discussion becomes more nuanced.
If we look purely at individual numbers, Doncic has an extremely strong case – perhaps the strongest. But if we widen the scope to include:
- team record
- season-long consistency
- overall narrative
then the race remains completely open.
A skeptical observer might argue:
- Luka entered the MVP conversation “late”
- Shai has led the best team for months
- Jokic is maintaining historic production with less support
At the same time, there’s a powerful counterpoint: MVP is often decided in the final weeks, and Doncic is currently the most dominant player in the league.
Final goal: MVP or NBA title?
Despite the media buzz, Doncic’ priority seems clear: be ready for the playoffs and chase a championship.
The ultimate goal remains the Larry O’Brien Trophy, and everything happening now is part of that path.
The NBA MVP 2026 race is still open, but one thing is certain: Luka Doncic is fully in the mix.