The Los Angeles Lakers are on the rise. On March 19, led by star guard Luka Doncic’s 60 points and LeBron James’ triple-double, the Lakers defeated the Miami Heat 134-126 for their eighth consecutive victory.
The win was even more impressive considering it came a night after a 124-116 win over the Houston Rockets on the road.
advertise
Doncic made 18 of 30 shots, including 9 of 17 three-pointers, and contributed 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals. This score is tied for the second most in Doncic’s career. Additionally, he has scored at least 30 points in every game of the Lakers’ winning streak.
More: LeBron James shares update on NBA ownership plans
On ESPN’s “First Take,” NBA analysts Stephen A. Smith and Brian Windhorst discussed whether Doncic should be considered the top candidate for the league’s MVP award.
“I don’t think we have a choice,” Smith said. “I regret not putting Luka in league MVP consideration earlier this morning. That’s over now. That’s corrected now. Luka Doncic is outstanding.”
advertise
James finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, tying Robert Parish’s NBA record of 1,611 games played. Los Angeles erased a 15-point deficit and handed the Heat their third straight loss.
Windhorst praised the Lakers’ resilience and determination in back-to-back games.
“I can’t tell you how much I’ve loved watching them play the last three games, especially Luka,” Windhorst said. “The way he approaches this game is absolutely awesome.”
Windhorst added: “Some of the shots he made in this game were absolutely unbelievable.”
However, Windhorst said the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is his front-runner in the race for NBA MVP. Gilgeous-Alexander wins the award in 2024-25.
advertise
“Shea plays both sides of the ball and his consistency is unbelievable,” he said.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Doncic’s NBA MVP odds have surged to second place. Gilgeous-Alexander still leads the way at -1,000, followed by Doncic (+1,500), San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembunyama (+2,500) and Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic (+3,500).
The Lakers rank third in the Western Conference with 45 wins and 25 losses. They return to action on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on the road against the Orlando Magic.
— Enjoy free coverage of top news and trending stories from The Big Lead —
March Madness: Predicting March Madness upsets in the 2026 NCAA Tournament
advertise
NFL Draft: New Mel Kiper NFL mock draft shows big impact of free agency
Major League Baseball: Dodgers announce spring training pitching debut for Shohei Ohtani
National Hockey League: Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl out for regular season with lower body injury
entertainment: Is ‘The Bachelorette’ Still On the Air Amid Tyler Frankie Paul’s Domestic War Allegations?
Viral: Livvy Dunne Shares ‘Baywatch’ Training and Photoshoot with BTS Swimwear
