Luka Doncic could become the first scoring champion since Bob McAdoo in 1976 to miss All-NBA honors if his injury keeps him from reaching the 65-game requirement.
If the Los Angeles Lakers are unable to get Luka Doncic back on the court before the end of the regular season, the superstar guard could be left off the All-NBA teams – even while leading the league in scoring, according to the Associated Press.
Doncic is currently averaging 33.5 points per game, comfortably ahead of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at 31.6.
However, the Slovenian has appeared in just 64 games so far and needs to play at least one more to meet the eligibility threshold.
Failing to do so would make him the first scoring champion since Bob McAdoo in 1976, during his time with the Buffalo Braves, to miss out on All-NBA recognition.
Time is not on the Lakers’ side. Luka suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in Thursday’s matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the injury is expected to sideline him for roughly 35 days.
Credit IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect – Scanpix
Typically, Grade 2 hamstring strains require around four to six weeks of recovery, though timelines can vary depending on the individual. As it stands, Doncic’s return is projected for early May.
That timeline puts his availability for the playoffs in doubt. The Lakers would likely consider themselves fortunate to have him back by the start of the Western Conference semifinals, assuming they advance that far.
LA is now third in the Western Conference with a 50-27 record.
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