Luka Doncic’s MVP path clears as Lakers star gets major lifeline

TL;DR

Luka Doncic's eligibility for MVP awards has been secured after the NBA granted him a waiver despite missing 65 games. This decision allows Doncic, along with Cade Cunningham, to compete for the MVP title this season.

Key points

Luka Doncic played 64 games, missing the 65-game requirement.
NBA granted Doncic a waiver for MVP eligibility.
Doncic missed games for family reasons during his daughter's birth.
Cade Cunningham also received a waiver; Anthony Edwards did not.

Luka DoncicCade CunninghamAnthony EdwardsLos Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic’s MVP path clears as Lakers star gets major lifeline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic fell just short of the NBA's 65-game rule to be eligible for regular-season awards. The Lakers' superstar only played 64 games because of injuries and personal reasons.

Doncic reportedly appealed to the NBA, joining Cade Cunningham and Anthony Edwards to seek relief from this rule. The NBA accepted Doncic and Cunningham's request, giving them a waiver to remain eligible for the awards. However, Edwards' request was rejected.

Doncic missed two regular-season games in December to be with his family during the birth of his daughter in Slovenia. It was deemed an "extraordinary circumstance" under CBA as the NBA cleared the way for Doncic to potentially win his first MVP this season.

As for Cunningham, the Detroit Pistons guard missed 12 games because of a collapsed lung. The reason was also found to be genuine enough for relief.

Doncic has also welcomed the decision as he wrote the following on his X handle:

"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 initially ineligible for the MVP award?

Luka Doncic was initially ineligible because he played only 64 games, falling short of the NBA's 65-game requirement for regular-season awards.

What circumstances led to Luka Doncic receiving a waiver from the NBA?

Doncic received a waiver due to missing two games for family reasons during the birth of his daughter, which was classified as an 'extraordinary circumstance' by the NBA.

Who else received a waiver from the NBA alongside Luka Doncic?

Cade Cunningham also received a waiver from the NBA, while Anthony Edwards' request for a waiver was rejected.