Thanks to Luka Doncic’s shocking transfer to the LA Lakers, my NBA enthusiasm has skyrocketed. The Purple and Gold, before LeBron James’ recent groin injury, looked unstoppable. Could this mean a return to the NBA Finals for Luka and a fifth championship for LeBron?
Why not? Lakers fans are still in disbelief over this season. First, it was the NBA’s first-ever father-and-son tandem, when 20-year-old Bronny suited up alongside his dad last October. Then came JJ Redick, whose coaching brilliance has many whispering about a potential Coach of the Year trophy. And, of course, there’s the unbelievable gift that the city of Los Angeles received in Luka Dončić.
Let’s hope LeBron returns soon (and Rui shakes off his injury woes). The BRONCIC SHOW has been electrifying, and if they stay healthy, they have a real shot at lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy in June.
MVP. Another exhilarating contest is now brewing: the Most Valuable Player award. It’s obvious that the battle is between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić. Because while Giannis and Tatum have had their moments, it’s the consistent brilliance of these two that has separated them from everyone else. The question now is, who will win?
“The Joker” is a three-time MVP (2021, 2022 and last season). This year, he’s averaging a career-best 28.9 points and 10.5 assists per game. His three-point shooting? A career-high 43 percent —better than Steph Curry’s, though on lower volume — while attempting a personal-best 4.5 threes per outing. He’s averaging a triple-double this season. And let’s not forget the absurd stat line from last week: 31 points, 21 rebounds and 22 assists, an all-time NBA first.
“I think I’m playing the best basketball of my life,” Jokić said recently.
With these numbers, he’s a shoo-in for MVP, right? Most likely. But wait until you see the excellence shown by his competitor.
That’s SGA. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard has taken a superstar leap, leading his team to the best record in the West. His scoring efficiency, defensive presence and ability to take over games have been spectacular. And while Jokic is a guaranteed all-time great, SGA is knocking on the door of superstardom.
What makes this MVP battle intriguing is the contrast in their playing styles. Jokić is 7-foot-tall with the vision of a point guard; he controls the tempo and dominates with his basketball IQ. SGA is an engrossing scorer, leading the NBA with 32.8 PPG. He effortlessly slices through defenses and is able to create his own shot and draw fouls. He’s one of the toughest matchups in this league of 30 teams and 450 players.
For Jokić, winning again would place him alongside LeBron and Wilt Chamberlain with four MVPs apiece (Michael Jordan and Bill Russell have five and Kareem has six). It would solidify his case as one of the most unique big men since the NBA was created in 1949. But for SGA, an MVP would mark the arrival of a new era. Also, it’s about IMPACT. We know OKC was good — but Shai has turned them from a team with promise into a legitimate title contender.
The final 28 days of the Regular Season will be crucial. If the Serb continues piling up triple-doubles, voters may lean toward him. But if SGA continues his meteoric rise, leading the Thunder to a top seed, he might win the nod.
MVP races are often about narratives and this one is too close to call. Will it be Jokić’s sustained excellence or SGA’s breakout campaign? A battle of experience versus rising stardom, the reigning MVP against a challenger hungry to make his mark.
My take? To borrow a famous phrase: “Give others a chance.” That’s why I’m rooting for the 26-year-old from Toronto, Canada.