Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has been on an unbelievable run the last two weeks. In the last eight games, he’s averaging a ridiculous 40.9 points per game. He’s scored 30 or more in all eight games, 40 or more four times and 50 or more twice. It culminated on Thursday night when he scored 60 in the Lakers’ win over the Miami Heat.
It’s by far his best stretch as a member of the Lakers, and seeing the way his teammates have rallied around him has been incredible to see.
“You see everybody celebrating on the bench, it’s like, it shows that we care a lot about each other,” Doncic said on Spectrum SportsNet. “And that’s what great teams do. Just makes my heart happy seeing them celebrate my 60-point game.”
It took a little while for this Lakers team to develop this type of chemistry. It was never bad, but the vibes in the locker room have clearly gone to another level over the last month or so, and the play on the court has helped confirm that.
Doncic, of course, is on a tear. But the Lakers as a whole are playing remarkable basketball. They’ve won eight in a row, 11 of 12 and have the No. 2 offense, No. 8 defense and No. 3 net rating in the league since Feb. 28. Part of that success comes from the fact that their off-court chemistry has come together and they are playing like a team.
It’s unclear exactly where the Lakers stand in terms of legitimate championship contention, still. Beating the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs might be a tall task, but it’s hard to argue anyone else in the NBA besides those two teams being better than the Lakers right now.
Hopefully, L.A. can ride this wave into the playoffs and win a round or two, giving themselves a chance to contend before a massive offseason.
JJ Redick backs Luka Doncic in MVP talks
Lakers head coach JJ Redick backed Doncic as an MVP candidate after his 60-point night on Thursday. Despite everything Luka has done this season, it seems he is not even really in the MVP discussion, and the race has all but been decided for Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
However, if Doncic can finish the season playing at this level, there is no reason for him not to be in consideration. At the very least, he should be a lock to secure his sixth All-NBA First Team selection.
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