Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić’s injury has sent shockwaves throughout the NBA world. While his absence for the next four weeks due to knee hyperextension isn’t good news for his team, the Los Angeles Lakers faithful see this as an opportunity for their superstar point guard, Luka Doncic.

Even though the Purple & Gold have struggled a bit recently, overall, they are off to a flying start, which sees them fifth in the Western Conference with a 20-10 record. And one player who has contributed significantly to this is their Slovenian superstar.

We mean, his stat line speaks for itself in terms of his game. He’s currently averaging 33.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists. So, now, with the Joker out with an injury for the foreseeable future, and the MVP race heating up, the Lakers Nation believes that it’s time for the five-time All-Star guard to gain control of the race to become the best player in the league.

Until now, Nikola Jokić has played every single game this season. However, given his return timeline, if all goes well, the three-time MVP will only be able to clear the minimum 65-game criteria to be considered for any honor by one game. So, he’s definitely on thin ice. Assuming the 30-year-old isn’t able to make the cut, that would leave Doncic arguably up against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Maybe Giannis Antetokounmpo might have something to say about that, but these two guards will likely be each other’s closest rivals. And SGA is already ahead of the Lakers guard; that’s exactly why Luka Doncic needs to pick up the pace. Nonetheless, a few have already put his name up there as one fan wrote “MVPLD77,” suggesting that he’s this season’s MVP, and others soon followed.

Lakers Nation urges Luka Doncic to go for the MVP title

Well, Los Angeles Lakers fans know that with Jokic out of the picture, this is probably the best shot for Luka Doncic to win his first MVP honor. That’s exactly why one fan wrote, “Jokic is out of the MVP race. Only one man is in your way. Luka Today we show everyone who the best in the world is.” 

While your heart goes out to the Joker, who probably would’ve won the race this season, this surely is Doncic’s best shot. More so because of his incredible offensive prowess. “Shai can’t play make like Luka, Jokic can’t so defenders like Luka– only 1 person deserves MVP this season,” another fan wrote. 

And if you look at the stats, it makes sense. Shai has played 31 games in the season so far and has averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 55.9% field goals. However, when it comes to his three-point shooting, it stands at 36%. On the other hand, Jokic has averaged 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 11.0 assists, and 60.5% field goals in the same number of games. But his three-point shooting sees a slight elevation to 44%.

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Now that we have already had a glance at the stat line of Doncic, it makes sense why the fan said what they said.

“If LA can take advantage of Jokic being out and grab that 3 seed and hold it till April…barring his numbers don’t dip, it’s safe to say Luka has an even chance at MVP as well. Voters have been wanting to give it to him for years + he’s a Laker, and I guess that means something,” one of them wrote. 

He simply pointed out that if Doncic continued to perform at this level, it’s hard to understand why he won’t be crowned the MVP later this season. However, it seems like being a fan of the 26-year-old’s gameplay and skills isn’t the only reason to back him right now. Some just don’t want to see Shai getting back-to-back MVPs.

“Gonna get a DEI MVP now that Nikola Jokić is out for a while. Luka Doncic, please save us,” one fan urged Doncic. Nonetheless, this is merely a wish for now, as whether Doncic or SGA wins will depend on Nikola Jokić’s health.