Got it! Congratulations to Luka Doncic! The first major award of the 25-26 season.

Congratulations, Luka Doncic's first award of the 25-26 season has arrived.

In this regular season, Doncic participated in 64 games, averaging 35.8 minutes per game with an explosive output of 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals. His three shooting percentages were 47.6%, 36.6%, and 78%. His total points of 2143 led the league, and his usage rate of 36.8% also ranked first in the league.

According to the rules, the NBA scoring champion is primarily awarded to the player with the highest average points per game in the regular season, typically requiring participation in at least 70% of the regular season games (approximately 58 games).

This is Doncic's second NBA scoring title in his career. The first was during the 23-24 season with the Mavericks, where he averaged a staggering 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.4 steals.

It's quite unfortunate; Doncic missed just one regular season game to reach 65 appearances this season, which would have allowed him to qualify for major awards like MVP and All-NBA Team selections. Reports indicate that an exception is being requested from the NBA league, but approval is uncertain. Fortunately, regardless, he still has the scoring title as a consolation prize.

Regarding when Doncic (grade 2 hamstring strain) might return, ESPN reporter Shelburne revealed he could potentially return during the latter part of the first round of the playoffs; Reeves (grade 2 oblique strain), however, has a near-zero chance of returning in the first round of the playoffs......

This duo averaged a combined 56.8 points per game during the regular season this year, while the entire Lakers team averaged only 116.3 points.

Since both Doncic & Reeves' return timelines are uncertain, and even if they return, they may not regain their competitive form promptly, outsiders are very pessimistic about the 4th-seeded Lakers in the West defeating the 5th-seeded Rockets. They believe the Purple and Gold are likely destined for another first-round playoff exit this year, having been eliminated 4-1 by the Timberwolves in the first round last year.

Currently for the Lakers, aside from 41-year-old LeBron James, the most reliable player seems to be Kennard, who joined mid-season. Going against the Rockets, who have Durant + Sengun + Amen, the gap between the two teams is evident.

It's a pity, truly a pity for the Lakers. Their two most crucial offensive weapons were injured at the end of the season. How could anyone withstand that? Indeed, luck is also part of the game.