JJ Redick Makes Bold MVP Case for Luka Doncic as Lakers Surge
Jan 6, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward/guard Luka Doncic (77) talks to Head Coach JJ Redick against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
JJ Redick isn’t holding back when it comes to his star player’s MVP credentials. The Lakers coach delivered a passionate endorsement of Luka Doncic‘s candidacy for the NBA‘s most coveted individual honor, making his case crystal clear before Monday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards.
« 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, » Redick declared, backing up his statement with compelling statistics and team success.
Dominant numbers fuel MVP argument
The numbers certainly support Redick’s bold claim. Since February 28th, Doncic has been virtually unstoppable, averaging 36.5 points on exceptional 49.3% shooting while connecting on 39% of his 3-points. He’s also contributed 8.1 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 2.3 steals during this stretch, leading the Lakers to an impressive 14-2 record.
Redick pointed to multiple phases of excellence throughout the season. « I think when we started 15-4, you could have made an argument that he was the MVP then, » the coach explained. « Well, he’s been the MVP for two of the three segments of the season. »
The team’s overall trajectory since January 18th tells an equally compelling story. With a 24-10 record entering the Wizards game, the Lakers have accumulated the second-most wins in the NBA during that span, rocketing to third place in the Western Conference.
The engine driving Lakers success
Redick emphasized Doncic’s central role in the team’s transformation. « He’s the engine that’s driving all of our winning, » he stated. « Certainly, we have a ton of guys starring in their roles, but he’s the driver. »
Beyond the statistics, Redick highlighted Doncic’s improved conditioning. « His form of fitness right now is probably as good as it’s been since he was a first- or second-year player, » the coach observed.
Despite his remarkable season-long performance – leading the NBA with 33.7 points per game, topping the league in both 40-plus point games (15) and 30-plus point games (43), and ranking third in assists with 8.2 per game – the 27-year-old Doncic remains without an MVP trophy.
His frustration was evident after Saturday’s win over Brooklyn, where he earned his 16th technical foul and subsequent suspension. « The better I play, the more I go down in rankings, » Doncic said, translating from Spanish. « So, I don’t know what more I can do. »
When pressed about his MVP case earlier this month following his 60-point performance against Miami, Doncic deflected responsibility. « It’s you guys, the media [that vote], » he said. « I ain’t got nothing to do with it. »
With his coach now publicly campaigning and the Lakers surging at the perfect time, Doncic’s long-awaited MVP recognition may finally be within reach.
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