Luka Doncic Named Western Conference Player of the Month for January

NEW YORK – The NBA has officially recognized Luka Doncic as the Western Conference Player of the Month for his outstanding performances throughout January. This accolade reflects his remarkable ability on the court, leading the league with an average of 34 points per game, alongside 9.1 assists and 7.2 rebounds across 15 games.

Doncic’s Impact on the Lakers

During January, the Los Angeles Lakers, with Doncic at the helm, recorded a 9-6 record in games he played. Notably, they closed the month on a high note, winning four out of their last six games, although they started February with a loss against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Key January Performances:

• January 20: Doncic posted a 38-point, 13-rebound, and 10-assist triple-double in a dominant victory over the Denver Nuggets.
• January 26: He scored 46 points, shooting 60% from the field and contributing 12 assists and 7 rebounds in a thrilling win against the Chicago Bulls.
• January 30: Doncic recorded a stellar 37 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, alongside three steals, in a decisive win over the Washington Wizards.

Shooting Efficiency

After a challenging start to the season in terms of shooting accuracy, Doncic rebounded in January. He showcased his shooting skills, hitting 39.2% of his three-point attempts, averaging nearly 10 attempts per game.

Previous Player of the Month Honors

This recent recognition marks Doncic’s first Player of the Month award for the current season. Previously, the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic earned the accolade for October/November, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Oklahoma City Thunder claimed it for December. In the Eastern Conference, Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown was also acknowledged as the Player of the Month for January.

Doncic’s MVP Candidacy

As the season progresses, Doncic remains a front-runner in the MVP race, particularly amid speculation regarding Jokic’s ability to meet the 65-game threshold necessary for consideration in end-of-season awards. As of Tuesday, Doncic is averaging an impressive 33.6 points, 8.8 assists, 8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.

For fans and sports enthusiasts wanting real-time updates and in-depth analyses, subscribe to our newsletters and download the California Post app for comprehensive coverage of the NBA season.

Follow the California Post on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more news and updates.