Luka Doncic's MVP Snub Discussed By Lakers' JJ Redick Amid Star's Injury, NBA Playoffs

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić was not named a finalist for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award, a snub his head coach was not happy about.

JJ Redick said he was "disappointed" to not see Dončić named a finalist, adding that there wasn't enough "media momentum" for him.

"He deserved to be there," Redick told reporters.

Dončić certainly made a strong case for MVP, leading the league in points (33.5 points per game and recording the third-most assists per game (8.3). He also put up 7.7 boards per game and 1.6 steals per game.

Behind Dončić's strong play, the Lakers finished in fourth place in the West at 53-29.

The three finalists are Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver's Nikola Jokić and San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama.

Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the most impressive players on offense this year while leading the Thunder to the best record in the league once again. Jokić averaged a triple-double and led the league in both rebounds and assists. Wembanyama, who won Defensive Player of the Year, had a historically good year on defense.

What Dončić likely lacked that the other finalists possessed was strong play on both sides of the ball. NBA MVP voter Rachel Nichols explained to Chris Mannix on Sports Illustrated's Open Floor podcast that Dončić's defense held her back from voting for him.

"Is he the top contender for MVP right now? No, he is not. Is the reason because you do have to play both sides of the ball for all eight months of the season? Yes, it is," she said. "I mean, he has definitely been improving. I am the loudest voice that Luka is not the defensive liability that people think he is. Once he gets to the playoffs, he cares differently. He plays differently, and it is a full-season award, and it is for both sides of the ball."

Dončić initially didn't meet the 65-game requirement to be eligible for MVP after playing just 64 games, but he was later ruled eligible after an "Extraordinary Circumstance Challenge." Dončić missed a pair of games this season because of the birth of his daughter.

While he won't take home his first MVP award this year, Dončić can still take home other honors, such as an All-NBA nod.