The loophole that could put Luka Dončić back in contention for the NBA MVP

Luka Dončić’s latest injury has dealt a major blow to the Los Angeles Lakers, who had been surging in recent weeks with renewed momentum and playoff ambitions. The Slovenian star’s hamstring has once again derailed the team’s hopes, as he is expected to miss at least the first round of the postseason.

While the absence of the former Real Madrid player at the most critical stage of the season significantly weakens the Lakers’ chances of making a deep playoff run, there is another concern for Dončić that now feels secondary. His candidacy for MVP and All NBA honors is also in jeopardy.

Following his injury against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the subsequent diagnosis, Dončić will miss the remainder of the regular season, leaving him with 64 games played, one short of the 65 game minimum required to qualify for individual awards. Although he was already considered an outsider in the intense MVP race against Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokić for the 2025 to 2026 season, a potential loophole in the collective bargaining agreement could bring him back into consideration.

ESPN reporter Tim Bontemps highlighted on Friday that there is an exception Dončić could rely on to remain eligible for All NBA honors. According to the report, the Lakers guard may qualify if he files a claim under “extraordinary circumstances” after missing two games in early December due to the birth of his second daughter in Slovenia. His agent, Bill Duffy, confirmed that they plan to submit the request.

“To ensure Luka’s incredible achievements this season are properly recognized and that he can be considered for the league’s end of season awards, we intend to file a challenge under the ‘Extraordinary Circumstances’ provision to the 65 game rule. Luka missed two games this season for the birth of his second daughter in Slovenia. His daughter was born on December 4 on another continent, and he was back in the United States competing with his team on December 6. Luka has made significant efforts to be available for his team and this league throughout the season. His record breaking campaign deserves to be remembered in the history books, despite last night’s unfortunate injury and other extraordinary circumstances. We look forward to working with the NBPA and the league office to ensure a fair outcome in this matter,” his representative said in a statement.

Despite falling just one game short of the required threshold, Dončić is set to become the first player since the rule was introduced to formally challenge the requirement in order to remain eligible for award nominations. To do so, his camp must submit written notification along with supporting evidence to the NBA by April 13, the day after the regular season concludes, so the league can review the case.