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By Bryan Colbert Jr.
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Luka Doncic’s historic scoring stretch has put him at the front of the early MVP conversation.
The Los Angeles Lakers star ranked first in NBA.com writer Shaun Powell’s opening Kia MVP Ladder of the season Friday, ahead of Victor Wembanyama and reigning two-time winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Doncic is averaging an NBA-leading 38.5 points, along with 8.1 rebounds and eight assists, through eight appearances. He is shooting 49.5% from the field and 43.1% from 3-point range, combining the league’s highest scoring average with some of the most efficient perimeter shooting of his career.
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His latest performance extended a streak no NBA player had previously reached.
Doncic finished with 40 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in Wednesday’s 116-103 victory over the Sacramento Kings. He made six 3-pointers, giving him six consecutive games with at least 35 points, five rebounds, five assists and five made threes.
The scoring surge began with 52 points against Utah on Oct. 25. Doncic followed that performance with games of 41, 37, 45, 42 and 40 points, joining Kobe Bryant and Elgin Baylor as the only Lakers to score at least 35 in six straight games.
Doncic’s offense has driven his early MVP case, but his work on the other end is also drawing attention.
Long criticized for his defense, Doncic has given the Lakers encouraging signs of improvement beyond his scoring production.
Entering Wednesday’s game against Sacramento, opponents were shooting just 21.9% on two-point attempts with Doncic as the primary defender. That was the lowest mark in the NBA among players who had defended at least 30 such shots.
His performance against Toronto showed how that effort can translate into extra possessions. Along with scoring 45 points, Doncic collected five steals, drew three charges and grabbed 15 defensive rebounds in the Lakers’ 131-125 victory.
For a player whose scoring already commands MVP consideration, those defensive contributions add another dimension to his case.
His historic start has also helped Los Angeles keep winning. The Lakers enter Friday’s matchup with Portland on a three-game winning streak, with Doncic averaging 42.3 points during that span.
His playmaking has helped spread the benefits throughout the offense. Before Wednesday’s game, Los Angeles led the NBA in offensive rating and field-goal percentage, with eight players averaging at least eight points.
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Doncic’s passing has been particularly productive alongside new center Walker Kessler, who has repeatedly benefited from opportunities near the rim.
Wembanyama has supplied a formidable early challenge. The Spurs star recorded career highs of 52 points and 24 rebounds, plus eight blocks, in Wednesday’s win over Dallas. He became the first player since Bob McAdoo in 1974 to reach 50 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks in a game.
Doncic’s next opportunity comes against a Portland team that already beat Los Angeles this season despite his 41 points. Friday offers a chance to extend his individual streak while correcting one of the Lakers’ early losses.
Maintaining both his production and the team’s winning pace would give his pursuit of a first MVP more substance as the season develops.
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