NBA clears Luka Doncic for season awards despite 65-game rule
nba-clears-luka-doncic-for-season-awards-despite-65-game-rule
The NBA has ruled that Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is eligible for all end-of-season honors, even though he appeared in 64 regular-season games, one short of the league’s 65-game requirement.
The decision, announced on April 16, 2026, came after the National Basketball Players Association cited the league’s “Extraordinary Circumstances” clause. Doncic missed two contests in December when he flew to Slovenia for the birth of his second daughter.
Moments after the announcement, the 27-year-old thanked the NBPA, the NBA and the Lakers organization on social media, writing, “I am grateful to the NBPA for advocating on my behalf and to the NBA for their fair decision… I appreciate Mark, Jeanie, Rob, JJ, and the entire Lakers organization for fully supporting me.”
Rule faces renewed scrutiny
The 65-game threshold, introduced to curb load management, has been heavily criticized this season as several stars narrowly missed the cutoff due to injuries or personal matters. Along with Doncic, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham received a waiver after a collapsed lung limited him to 63 games. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards was denied a similar request, while Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker and Lakers forward LeBron James are all ineligible for awards.
Award outlook
Doncic now qualifies for the NBA Most Valuable Player award and All-NBA teams. He led the league in scoring at 33.5 points per game and ranked third in assists with 8.3, making him a near certainty for All-NBA First Team consideration.
Playoff status
Despite the eligibility ruling, Doncic remains sidelined with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. Head coach JJ Redick said both Doncic and guard Austin Reaves are out indefinitely as the postseason begins.
Source: LakersNation.com
