“I’m Ashamed I Didn’t Say It Sooner,” Stephen A. Smith Backs Luka Dončić as MVP Frontrunner Amid Lakers Surge

For most of this season, Luka Dončić has been putting up MVP-level numbers without getting MVP-level attention. That disconnect usually happens when team success lags behind individual brilliance. But over the past eight games, that excuse has disappeared. The Los Angeles Lakers have gone from a team searching for a strong footing to one dictating the conversation in the Western Conference.

And with it, so has the idea that Luka is on the outside of this race. His recent stretch has forced a re-evaluation of not just his season, but also his place in the MVP race. An eight-game winning streak is impressive on its own. Wins over contenders and playoff-caliber teams, combined with resilience on the road, have elevated the Lakers from fringe relevance to a legitimate threat to their opponents.

What makes this run particularly significant is timing. MVP conversations tend to crystallize late in the season, when voter attention sharpens, and player narratives solidify. Team success has always been a key component of MVP consideration. Individual brilliance can carry a player into the conversation, but sustained winning often determines who ultimately separates from the field.

The Lakers’ recent stretch strengthens Luka’s case in a way that raw numbers alone cannot. As the Lakers climb the standings, Luka is becoming a strong contender in the MVP race. That’s what NBBA analyst Stephen Anthony Smith has to say.

1. “I Don’t Think We Have a Choice”: Stephen A. Smith Makes His Case

On ESPN’s First Take, Smith didn’t hedge when asked about Luka’s MVP candidacy. He said, “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 … I’m ashamed that I hadn’t brought up Luka for league MVP consideration sooner than this morning. That ends now. That gets corrected right now.” Stephen A. isn’t just acknowledging Luka’s performance. In a way, he’s also attempting to correct what he views as a narrative oversight. That’s because MVP races are often shaped as much by recognition as by production. There’s an implicit admission here about how these debates evolve. Early-season consistency often sets the baseline, but late-season surges can disrupt established hierarchies. Stephen A.’s pivot suggests that Luka’s recent dominance has become too loud to ignore. While MVP voting is conducted by a broader panel, high-profile endorsements can influence the tone of the conversation. When a figure like Stephen A. reframes the debate, it signals to others that the race may be more open than previously assumed. MVP races evolve with performance and visibility, as well as narrative momentum. Luka’s case has been a similar one.

2. Luka Dončić’s Dominance Has Been Evident Through Scoring Explosion, Playmaking, and All-Around Impact

The numbers behind Luka’s surge are impressive. A 60-point performance followed by a combined 100 points across two games is a hot streak; a statement. It signals a level of offensive control that few players in the league can replicate. Leading the NBA with 33.4 points per game, Luka has established himself as the most prolific scorer in the league this season. But what separates him from traditional high-volume scorers is efficiency within responsibility. He is finishing plays flawlessly. What’s more significant is that he is creating plays, often from nothing. That’s where his playmaking has become crucial for the Lakers. Averaging 8.4 assists per game, Luka simply dominated possessions. His ability to manipulate defenses and draw multiple defenders has transformed the Lakers’ offense into a dynamic, multi-layered system. Luka dictates pace, tempo, and spacing in a way that few players can. Whether slowing the game down in half-court sets or accelerating transition opportunities, he operates as both engine and orchestrator. Perhaps most importantly, his production is translating directly into wins. Luka’s numbers are clearly tied to outcomes.

3. Are the Lakers Legit Contenders in the West Now?

The Lakers’ recent run has forced a reassessment of their ceiling. Wins over teams like the Nuggets, Knicks, and Heat suggest that this team is finding cohesion at the right time. They’re winning in different ways, from high-scoring shootouts to gritty comeback performances. One of the most telling moments came under adverse conditions. After a late-night travel schedule and minimal rest, the Lakers still managed to rally from a 15-point deficit. That kind of resilience speaks to more than talent. It reflects buy-in, conditioning, and mental toughness. Support from players like LeBron James and Austin Reaves has also been instrumental. While Luka drives the offense, the presence of experienced and complementary pieces allows the team to function at a higher level. The Lakers rely on a system anchored by a superstar. One of the key developments has been their defensive performance. Long considered a weakness, the Lakers have shown increased discipline and effort on that end of the floor. If that trend holds, it significantly raises their playoff viability. The Western Conference remains crowded with contenders, but the Lakers have inserted themselves into that tier. And if team success continues, it will only strengthen Luka’s MVP case.

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• Stephen A. Smith
• Luka Dončić