The NBA has a 65-game rule that requires players to participate in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for certain prestigious awards.

Luka Doncic (Photo by Christopher Hanewinckel/Imagn Images) and Kawhi Leonard (Photo by Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
These awards include the NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, and selections for the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams. Luka Doncic was previously uncertain about his eligibility for these accolades, but recent news has confirmed that he will not be eligible.

The NBA on ESPN has recently unveiled the list of players who will not qualify for the league’s awards due to the stringent 65-game rule. Among those notably impacted are Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Ja Morant, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard.

Doncic was sidelined for multiple games due to a calf strain he sustained during the Christmas Day matchup. Meanwhile, on February 20, the San Antonio Spurs ended Wembanyama’s season after identifying deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

Leonard missed 34 games for the Los Angeles Clippers due to right knee inflammation. He returned on January 4, 2025, scoring 12 points in a victory over the Atlanta Hawks. However, after just two games, he stepped away to be with family as they evacuated due to wildfires in Southern California.

Morant missed 22 games for the Memphis Grizzlies, including 10 games due to an injury he sustained while attempting a dunk against the Los Angeles Lakers. On the other hand, Paul George missed 17 games this season for the Philadelphia 76ers due to a bone bruises.

Luka Doncic’s First Stellar Game For The Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off an incredible move by bringing Luka Doncic on board in a blockbuster deal with the Dallas Mavericks on February 2, 2025. In the recent game against the Denver Nuggets, Doncic made his first dominating performance for the Lakers.

Doncic played for 31 minutes and recorded a double-double, scoring 32 points, seven assists and 10 rebounds. LeBron James contributed 25 points, five assists, and nine rebounds, while Austin Reaves added 23 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. Rui Hachimura also made a strong impact, scoring 21 points and providing four assists. These impressive performances led the Lakers to a convincing 123-100 victory against the Nuggets.

The Lakers currently sit in fourth place in the Western Conference standings with a 34-21 record. They will play their next game against Doncic’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks, at Crypto.com Arena.