NBA MVP Race: Lakers’ Doncic and James Surge into Contention
Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers is a unique experience, a blend of privilege and intense scrutiny. The franchise’s iconic status brings unparalleled glitz and glamour, but also places every move under a relentless microscope. This has been particularly true for the Lakers over the past two seasons, led by superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
After a period of inconsistency, the Lakers are finally finding their rhythm. Dončić and James are playing at an elite level, propelling the team to a remarkable 9-1 record this month. This surge has propelled them to the third seed in the Western Conference, and a palpable confidence is building within the squad, especially after consecutive victories against the Houston Rockets, led by Kevin Durant.
When asked about the team’s recent success, Dončić expressed optimism, stating, “This is just the start of something beautiful.” He emphasized the strong chemistry within the team, reiterating, “We have great chemistry… this is just the start of something beautiful.”
Luka Dončić with @LakersReporter on the squad after tonight’s win. pic.twitter.com/MHBS9q2d6V
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 19, 2026
Despite their recent form, the Lakers have faced skepticism. NBA legend Charles Barkley has openly expressed his desire for the team to falter, hoping to avoid championship discussions. Barkley famously stated, “My worst nightmare is the Lakers winning tonight and I have to listen to all the crap on Monday on all the talk shows how the Lakers are contenders.”
Charles Barkley:"My worst nightmare is the Lakers winning tonight and I have to listen to all the crap on Monday on all the talk shows how the Lakers are contenders.” 🤣(h/t @ohnohedidnt24) pic.twitter.com/bYbd2gNFis
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 15, 2026
While their early-season performance was inconsistent, the Lakers have demonstrated their ability to compete with the league’s top teams. Maintaining this momentum could secure a favorable playoff matchup and potentially lead to a deep postseason run. The Lakers’ floor is well-established, but currently, their ceiling appears limitless. The NBA MVP race is becoming increasingly interesting with their recent success, and both James and Dončić are now firmly in the conversation.
Related: Luka Doncic Has Strong Praise for LeBron James After Lakers’ Key Victory Over Rockets
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 19, 2026, in the NBA section.
