Stephen A. Smith Admits He Is 'Ashamed' For Snubbing Luka Doncic

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mintu Tomar | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 2:48 PM ET

"It was a superhero performance." That's how Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick described Luka Doncic following the historic show put up by the 27-year-old NBA star on Thursday night.

It seems the 'Luka magic' is not stopping anytime soon and the Lakers guard, in his second season for the purple and gold, looks to be in the form of his life. The stats speak for themselves as the former Dallas Mavericks member continues to register standout performances one game after another.

Thursday night was no different as Doncic once again proved why's one of the top contenders for the NBA MVP award. Against the Miami Heat, the No.77 posted his best figures as a Lakers member just days after scoring 51 points against the Chicago Bulls. Lakers posted their eighth straight win, defeating the Heat 134-126, thanks to Doncic who led from the front with 60 points. Not to mention his 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals.

After the recent game against the Houston Rockets, where he posted 40 points, Doncic reached a total of 100 points in just two games. Also, he became the first Lakers player to score 60 points in a contest since former franchise star Kobe Bryant scored 60 points against the Utah Jazz nearly a decade ago on April 14, 2016.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after point against Miami Heat at Kaseya Center.Isabella Frias-Imagn Images

Following his epic show against the Heat, even ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith had to make an honest confession. For a while he seemed to avoid Doncic for MVP consideration this season. This time, however, he spoke about the Lakers guard wholeheartedly.

When asked about considering Luka for the award, Smith admitted, "I don't think we have a choice. I think this dude is electrifying, he's a scoring sensation. He's a superstar in this league. And to be quite honest with you", he continued saying, "I’m ashamed I haven’t brought up Luka for league MVP considerations sooner than this morning. That ends now. That gets corrected right now."

Continuing his praise for the youngster, the ESPN analyst said, "He's leading the league in scoring, the Los Angeles Lakers are winning as a top 3 seed. They are winning basketball games and he's leading the way."

.@stephenasmith declares Luka Doncic a top candidate for NBA MVP?! @WindhorstESPN responds ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/2lJMQ8QYVI
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 20, 2026

Concluding his response with a huge statement for the Slovenian guard he said, "Luka Doncic in a Lakers uniform is a top candidate for league MVP. I am announcing it right here."

With Thursday's big victory against the Heat, the purple and gold squad have improved to 45-25 on the season. Currently they have maintained their 3rd position in the West.

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

More must-reads: