Redick may have a point, as Luka continues to torch the league.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA, and their head coach wants people to start paying attention to his star's place in the bigger picture.
Before Thursday's matchup against the Miami Heat, JJ Redick spoke to the media about Luka Dončić and didn't hold back when asked about the Slovenian superstar's recent play.
"He's really elevated his play at an important time for our team," Redick said. "I think he's one of the best, and should be in the (MVP) conversation. He's having as good a season as anyone."
It's hard to argue with that when you look at the numbers, and it's hard to argue with what the Lakers have done as a team during this stretch.
Dončić is averaging a league-best 32.9 points per game this season along with 8.5 assists and 7.8 rebounds, making him the only player in the NBA putting up 30-plus points, 7-plus rebounds, and 8-plus assists on the year.
Luka's Incredible Run
Over his last 10 games, Dončić has taken his play to another level and the Lakers have followed right along with him, going 8-2 during that stretch.
He's been averaging 34.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.1 assists in those 10 games, and his shot-making has been nothing short of special.
The highlights include a 51-point explosion against the Bulls where he shot 9-of-14 from three, and a game-winning baseline jumper in overtime against the Nuggets that showed exactly why Redick believes Dončić belongs in the MVP conversation.
On Wednesday night against the Rockets, Dončić dropped 40 points with 10 assists and nine rebounds as the Lakers extended their winning streak to seven games in a 124-116 road victory.
The Lakers now sit at 44-25 on the season, good for third in the Western Conference, and they've won 10 of their last 11 games heading into Thursday's contest against the Heat.
Why Isn't He Higher in the MVP Race?
Despite putting up numbers that match or beat just about everyone else in the league, Dončić still finds himself on the outside looking in when it comes to the top of the MVP ladder.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the overwhelming favorite, and it's tough to argue against him given that Oklahoma City sits at 54-15 with the best record in the NBA while he's averaging 31.7 points and 6.6 assists on 54.9 percent shooting.
Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama have also been fixtures in the top three for most of the season, and both play for teams that sit above the Lakers in the Western Conference standings.
The biggest thing working against Dončić is team record, as 44-25 is strong but not elite compared to the Thunder's dominance, and a handful of missed games earlier in the year didn't help his case either.
There's also the fact that Dončić's defensive reputation has followed him throughout his career, though Redick has pointed out that his star has picked things up on that end recently and that his two-way play is a big reason the Lakers are rolling right now.
With about 13 games left in the regular season, it's unlikely Dončić will climb to the top of the ladder, but his coach clearly believes the conversation should at least include his name right alongside the best of the best.