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Lakers' JJ Redick Names Luka Doncic as MVP

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Mar 30, 2026 9:08 PM ET

Luka Doncic has a real shot at winning the MVP award this season. In his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Doncic has elevated his game. Through 62 games played, he's averaged 33.7 points (leads the NBA), 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists. In March, the Slovenian star boosted his chance at being a serious candidate to win MVP.

Through 15 games, Doncic has averaged 37.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 2.3 steals. During that stretch, his scoring has been the main focus of the Lakers' success. He's never scored below 25 points. The Lakers star recorded six games with at least 30 points, four games with at least 40 points, one 50-point game and one 60-point game.

JJ Redick Speaks on Luka Doncic's MVP Case

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Ahead of the Lakers' game against the Washington Wizards on Monday, head coach JJ Redick revealed his thoughts on Doncic's MVP case.

“If we continue to finish the season the way we’re playing right now, if he continues to play that way. To me, he is the MVP,” Redick said.

“I think when we started 15-4, you could’ve made an argument that he was the MVP then. He’s been the MVP for two of the three segments of the season.”

Lakers coach JJ Redick on Luka Doncic’s MVP candidacy:

“If we continue to finish the season the way we're playing right now, and he continues to play that way — to me, he is the MVP.” pic.twitter.com/SjwFHOyzQD
— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) March 31, 2026

Redick continued by saying that the team's story has affected Doncic's case for the prize. The six-time All-Star's accomplishments during the season have been overshadowed by the Lakers' noisy losses, according to the head coach. He pointed out that the losses they've had this season aren't as bad as what the media has portrayed.

Redick said that the team is comfortable with where they're at, and he credited Doncic for leading them there. The Lakers are third in the Western Conference with a 48-26 record. The team is on pace to have a 50-win season for a second-straight year.

“He’s the engine that’s driving all of our winning.”

Redick also discussed Doncic's physical change since the Dallas Mavericks moved him. His lack of physical conditioning was a major factor in the Mavericks' decision to trade him. Ahead of the 2025-26 season, the five-time All-NBA star took the time to change how the public views him by losing approximately 35 pounds.

It was a massive physical change for the Lakers star, and it has paid off. Fans have noticed how easily he moves on the floor, making it more challenging to defend him.

“His fitness right now is probably as good as it's been since his first or second year,” Redick added.

His transformation could also be a key for him to win the MVP this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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