Lakers' Luka Doncic's MVP hopes take sudden turn after 65-game rule relief

TL;DR

Luka Doncic has been removed from the MVP finalists list after receiving relief from the 65-game eligibility rule. He played 64 games this season, missing the mark due to personal reasons.

Key points

Luka Doncic granted relief from the 65-game rule
Doncic played 64 games this season
NBA MVP finalists announced include Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, Wembanyama

Luka DoncicLos Angeles LakersShai Gilgeous-AlexanderNikola Jokic

Lakers' Luka Doncic's MVP hopes take sudden turn after 65-game rule relief originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After Luka Doncic was granted relief on the 65-game rule, the league dropped him from the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player finalists list. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar was seemingly snubbed in favor of Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama.

The NBA Communications shared the list of finalists on Sunday night. This Friday, the regular-season MVP will be named.

Just a few days ago, Doncic thanked the NBA for granting him relief to be eligible for regular-season awards. According to the policy, a player must play over 65 games in order to be eligible for the awards. Doncic, who went to his native country for the birth of his daughter in December, fell just short of the mark as he played 64 games.

"I am grateful to the NBPA for advocating on my behalf and to the NBA for their fair decision. It was so important to me to be present for the birth of my daughter in December and I appreciate Mark, Jeanie, Rob, JJ, and the entire Lakers organization for fully supporting me and allowing me to travel to be there. This season has been so special to me because of what my teammates and I have been able to accomplish, and I am honored to have the opportunity to be considered for the league’s end-of-season awards," .

Q&A

Why was Luka Doncic removed from the MVP finalists list?

Luka Doncic was removed from the MVP finalists list because he did not meet the 65-game eligibility requirement, having played only 64 games.

What is the 65-game rule in the NBA?

The 65-game rule requires players to participate in at least 65 games during the regular season to be eligible for MVP and other major awards.

Who are the current MVP finalists for the NBA?

The current MVP finalists are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama.