Lakers' Luka Doncic's MVP hopes take sudden turn after 65-game rule relief

After Luka Doncic was granted relief on the 65-game rule, the league dropped him from the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player finalists list. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar was seemingly snubbed in favor of Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama. 

The NBA Communications shared the list of finalists on Sunday night. This Friday, the regular-season MVP will be named.

Complete list of awards finalists for the 2025-26 NBA regular season ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/LQj5YeouZ5

Just a few days ago, Doncic thanked the NBA for granting him relief to be eligible for regular-season awards. According to the policy, a player must play over 65 games in order to be eligible for the awards. Doncic, who went to his native country for the birth of his daughter in December, fell just short of the mark as he played 64 games.

"I am grateful to the NBPA for advocating on my behalf and to the NBA for their fair decision. It was so important to me to be present for the birth of my daughter in December and I appreciate Mark, Jeanie, Rob, JJ, and the entire Lakers organization for fully supporting me and allowing me to travel to be there. This season has been so special to me because of what my teammates and I have been able to accomplish, and I am honored to have the opportunity to be considered for the league’s end-of-season awards," Doncic wrote on X.

Doncic was seriously in consideration for the award after he led the league in scoring.