Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Doncic won the NBA scoring title for the 2025-26 season, averaging 33.5 points over 64 games, according to an April 13 announcement. He led by more than two points ahead of Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 31.1 points, and Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, who finished third at 28.8.
Doncic’s achievement marks his second career scoring title after first winning it as a member of the Dallas Mavericks in the 2023-24 season. This continues a trend of international players leading in scoring; five straight international athletes have now won the award after none had previously achieved this distinction.
To qualify for the NBA scoring title, players must participate in at least 58 games during the regular season—a lower threshold than other league awards that require playing in at least 65 games. Despite missing some time due to injury and personal reasons, Doncic met this requirement.
During his standout season with Los Angeles, Doncic also contributed averages of 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting nearly fifty percent from the field and over thirty-six percent from three-point range on a league-leading number of attempts per game.
Doncic’s campaign was interrupted by a Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered several weeks ago. He has since traveled to Spain for specialized treatment in hopes of returning quickly but no timetable has been set for his return.
Because he played in only sixty-four games—just below some award eligibility thresholds—Doncic is applying for an Extraordinary Circumstance Challenge to remain eligible for NBA honors such as First Team All-NBA and MVP consideration after missing two games due to family reasons.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick said that despite being sidelined during playoff time, Doncic remains optimistic: “I’m not gonna share how long he’s going to be over there, but I think he’s in good spirits,” Redick said recently. “I think he’s, in my conversations with him, he’s motivated to do everything possible… He wants to get back on the court.”
The team awaits further updates on Doncic’s recovery and potential return as postseason play continues.
