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Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a play during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Luka Doncic is on track to win the NBA scoring title this season. He may also miss out on All-NBA honors — a combination not seen in nearly five decades.
If Doncic is unable to return for the remainder of the regular season because of his left hamstring injury, he could become the first scoring champion since 1976 to not be selected to an All-NBA team, according to the Associated Press.
That outcome, while rare, has become increasingly plausible late in the season.
Injury Timing Carries Major Implications
Doncic exited the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder with a left hamstring injury and is scheduled to undergo further evaluation.
He has appeared in 64 games this season. If he does not return before the end of the regular season, he would fall short of the NBA’s 65-game minimum required for award eligibility.
“At this juncture of the season, it’s the last thing you want to see,” LeBron James said after the game. “Especially anybody on our team, but when you have an MVP candidate on your team, the last thing you want to see is somebody go down with a hamstring injury.”
The Lakers have just over a week remaining in the regular season.
Recovery Timeline Suggests Extended Absence Possible
GettyLuka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts from the floor after a play during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The nature of hamstring injuries adds further uncertainty to Doncic’s outlook.
According to injury analyst Jeff Stotts, the average recovery time for NBA players dealing with unspecified hamstring strains this season has been approximately 22 days, or about nine games.
That figure is higher than historical averages of roughly 12 days, or five games.
Given the timing late in the regular season, the data suggests it may be difficult for Doncic to return before the playoffs if the injury is confirmed as a strain.
Redick Decision Under Scrutiny After Injury
Lakers coach JJ Redick said after the game that Doncic had been evaluated during halftime and cleared to continue playing.
“We checked him out. He got work done, he was cleared,” Redick said. “We’re not going to put a player at risk.”
Doncic had shown signs of discomfort late in the first half before returning in the third quarter, when the injury worsened and led to his exit.
65-Game Rule at Center of Awards Debate
The NBA’s 65-game rule, part of the collective bargaining agreement, determines eligibility for major awards, including MVP and All-NBA teams.
Players can qualify if they reach 65 games or meet criteria tied to a verified season-ending injury. Doncic’s situation would not automatically meet that classification unless an independent physician determines he would be unable to play through May 31.
Even if he remains one of the league’s top performers statistically, falling short of the threshold would remove him from consideration.
According to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, the last scoring leader to miss All-NBA honors was Bob McAdoo in 1976.
Lakers Backcourt Depth Could Be Tested
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James brings the ball up court against the Washington Wizards at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, CA on Monday, March 30, 2026.
With Doncic expected to miss time and Marcus Smart also sidelined by injury, the Lakers may need to adjust their backcourt rotation.
That could create additional opportunities for Bronny James, who has recently seen limited minutes at the NBA level while continuing to develop within the system.
His role has fluctuated throughout the season, but roster availability could factor into increased playing time over the remaining games.
Dominant Season Still Likely to Lead NBA
Despite the uncertainty, Doncic remains the favorite to win the scoring title.
He is averaging 33.5 points per game, well ahead of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 31.6.
For Gilgeous-Alexander to overtake him, he would need an extraordinary scoring stretch over the final games of the season.
Of the previous 79 scoring champions in NBA history, 77 earned All-NBA honors, underscoring how unusual Doncic’s potential situation would be.
Lakers Focus on Playoff Readiness
While the award implications are significant, the Lakers’ primary concern remains Doncic’s health heading into the postseason.
Los Angeles has already secured a playoff spot, which could provide additional recovery time if he misses the remainder of the regular season.
Still, the possibility of winning the scoring title without All-NBA recognition adds an unusual layer to the season’s final stretch — and renewed scrutiny on the NBA’s 65-game eligibility rule.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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