How Luka Dončić can still win NBA awards even if he doesn't play 65 games

Atlantic76ersCelticsKnicksNetsRaptorsCentralBucksBullsCavaliersPacersPistonsSoutheastHawksHeatHornetsMagicWizardsSouthwestGrizzliesMavericksPelicansRocketsSpursNorthwestJazzNuggetsThunderTimberwolvesTrail BlazersPacificClippersKingsLakersSunsWarriorsScores & ScheduleStandingsThe Bounce NewsletterNBA DraftPodcastsFantasyNBA OddsNBA PicksAll-Defensive, All-Rookie Awards WatchPlayoff Matchups As Of TodayInside NBA Sneaker CultureHistory of NBA GrowthNBA Season Luka Dončić, who injured his hamstring against Oklahoma City on Thursday night, might have an avenue to being eligible for NBA awards even if he doesn't reach the 65-game threshold. Cooper Neill / Getty Images Share full article3OKLAHOMA CITY — Luka Dončić has a pathway to end-of-season award eligibility despite potentially falling short of the minimum games threshold. According to the NBA’s 65-game participation policy, players can appeal for an “Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge” if they meet a series of factors that include “extraordinary circumstances” where “it was impracticable for him to play in one or more of the Regular Season game(s) that he missed during such Season.” Dončić missed the Lakers’ games in Toronto and Boston on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 to return to Slovenia for the birth of his second daughter. He rejoined the Lakers on Dec. 7 in Philadelphia. In his 64th game of the season Thursday, Dončić suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter, limping off the court and directly to the locker room. He didn’t return to the game and underwent MRI testing on the injured left hamstring Friday afternoon. Had he played in both the Toronto and Boston games, Dončić would’ve played in 85.7 percent of the Lakers’ games up to and including Thursday’s in Oklahoma City — clearing the threshold for award eligibility. Dončić is averaging 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game this season for the Lakers, leading the league in scoring while positioning himself as one of the top MVP candidates along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokić. He was considered a favorite for his sixth first-team All-NBA spot after leading the Lakers to a 50-win season before his injury. He’s the only Western Conference player to win Player of the Month honors twice this season, earning the award in January and March. Dončić would’ve cleared the 65-game threshold had he not received a mandatory one-game suspension following his 16th technical foul last week. He missed the Lakers’ win against Washington on Monday. While it’s unknown if or when Dončić could return in the Lakers’ final five regular-season games, there is a belief that the two games he missed to be with family in Europe for the birth of his child would meet the league’s criteria for an exception. According to the policy, of which the Lakers are aware, the team and Dončić have until the final day of the regular season to file a challenge. Should a “challenge expert” chosen jointly by the NBA and NBPA rule in his favor, “the sole remedy shall be that the player is deemed eligible for the Applicable Generally Recognized League Honors.” Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Dan Woike covers the Los Angeles Lakers for The Athletic. He's written about professional basketball in Los Angeles since 2011, first for the Orange County Register and most recently for the Los Angeles Times. His work has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors, the Pro Basketball Writers Association, the Los Angeles Press Club and the California News Publishers Association. He's originally from Chicago. Follow Dan on Twitter @DanWoikeSports