Luka Doncic has missed 12 games this season with a hamstring injury. LeBron James is already disqualified from All-NBA consideration due to games missed. Doncic must play 23 of the Lakers’ final 28 games to meet the 65-game threshold. He leads the league in scoring at 32.8 points per game.
Doncic must play 23 of the final 28 games
The NBA’s 65-game rule determines eligibility for All-NBA honors and MVP voting. Doncic has missed 12 games. He needs to appear in at least 23 of the Lakers’ remaining 28 to qualify. LeBron James has already crossed the threshold that disqualifies him. Doncic is averaging 32.8 points per game — the league’s best mark — but the games-played requirement could remove him from award consideration regardless of production.
His All-Star Game status is uncertain
Doncic hopes to play in the All-Star Game. His participation hasn’t been confirmed. The Lakers’ priority is ensuring he’s healthy for the stretch run, not an exhibition game. Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have also dealt with injuries this season. Candace Parker commented on Doncic’s standing in the MVP race. “Don’t Kobe Luka,” she said. “Don’t get bored with greatness.”
The Lakers are 5-6 without Doncic
Los Angeles has gone 5-6 in games Doncic has missed this season. His 12th absence came against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers are fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Doncic’s scoring and playmaking have been the foundation of their season. The supporting cast has not maintained a winning record without him.
The schedule after the All-Star break will determine eligibility
Doncic’s availability over the final 28 games will dictate both team success and individual awards. Playing 23 of 28 means missing no more than five games the rest of the way. The Lakers face a difficult schedule. Managing Doncic’s minutes while keeping him on the court is the challenge. LeBron’s disqualification means the Lakers could finish the season with neither star eligible for All-NBA recognition.