NBA Legend Makes Bold Claim About James Harden’s Role in Luka Doncic’s Rise

It might sound surprising at first, but Isiah Thomas isn’t holding back he believes Luka Doncic’s dominance today is heavily influenced by none other than James Harden. That’s a bold claim, especially considering how unique Luka’s game looks on the surface.

But as Doncic continues to thrive especially after his move to the Los Angeles Lakers, where his numbers have jumped to another level the comparison starts to feel a lot more interesting. Thomas’ take digs deeper than just stats, pointing to style, control, and the way modern superstars shape the game around them.

Thomas took to X to say, “There’s no Luka if James harden doesn’t exist… James harden changed the game and he doesn’t get enough credit. Luka plays exactly how prime harden played in Houston. And the you couldn’t stop NOTHING!!!! Real hoop game with manipulation of the game to go in they favor OMG.”

Is Luka Doncic in the Conversation for MVP?

The MVP race is getting interesting again, and while a few familiar names are still leading the charge, the order isn’t as clear-cut as it was earlier in the season. Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic continue to anchor the conversation, but there’s been a shake-up behind them. Cade Cunningham has surged into the spotlight thanks to Detroit’s strong position in the standings, although his recent health issues could complicate things moving forward.

What makes this year even more intriguing is how closely the MVP discussion lines up with All-NBA selections, especially with positions no longer being a factor. At the same time, durability is becoming just as important as performance. The league’s 65-game requirement is quietly looming over several candidates, and one or two missed games could completely change the outcome.

Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is making his late push. Since landing with the Los Angeles Lakers, he’s been putting up eye-popping numbers and carrying a massive offensive load. He’s doing a little bit of everything at an elite level, and if his all-around impact especially on defense continues to trend upward, he could seriously disrupt the race before it’s all said and done.

This story was originally published by Lindys Sports on Mar 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

NBA Legend Makes Bold Claim About James Harden’s Role in Luka Doncic’s Rise

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