Cameron Johnson defends Luka Doncic's case for awards in the 2025-26 season

Cameron Johnson defends Luka Doncic's case for awards in the 2025-26 season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been an impressive team this season, which is because of Luka Doncic's excellent performances. He is one of the league's best players, especially on the offensive side of the game.

Unfortunately, Doncic has struggled with injuries this season. Weeks before the postseason, Doncic strained his hamstring, which will not only take him out for an extended period but could also lead to him losing out on the season awards.

Cam Johnson defends Luka Doncic's viability for the season awards

Doncic will not be playing for the rest of the regular season, so he will be capped at 63 games. With the NBA's 65-game rule, that means he will not be eligible for any regular-season award.

That is a huge miss for the NBA because most fans would agree that Luka has been one of the league's best players. He is on par with the other top MVP candidates, which are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama.

MORE:JJ Redick provides a concerning update about Luka Doncic's hamstring

Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson is quite vocal about the latest events in the NBA with his podcast. On his show, Johnson made sure to address the situation with Doncic and how he feels about that.

"I completely understand the goal of it, but it's just that hard stop. The difference between, say, a guy like Luka, if he plays 63 games, and him playing two or three more games is not going to change that much," Johnson said on The Old Man and The Three.

"Like, it's not going to be like, 'Oh, that pushes him over the hump from a non-All-NBA player to an All-NBA player.' You know what I mean? If Jokic ended up playing 62 games instead of 65, it doesn't push him."

Johnson brings up some valid points because the top players will feel hard done by. This goes for players like Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham, and Doncic. They all deserve their accolades, but the rule is preventing them from getting those awards.

More NBA news:

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• The reason behind JJ Redick's decision to not feature Deandre Ayton
• JJ Redick clears the air about his disgareement with Jarred Vanderbilt
• Rich Paul gives a concering update about Luka Doncic's injury