Luka Doncic reacts to leading NBA in All-Star voting
The torch has officially been passed in Los Angeles. For nearly two decades, the top of the NBA All-Star voting returns was the exclusive territory of LeBron James, but in 2026, a new face sits atop the mountain. Luka Doncic, in the midst of a dominant first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers, has emerged as the leading vote-getter in the entire league, signaling a definitive shift in the NBA’s hierarchy.
According to the second returns released by the league this week, Doncic has amassed a staggering 2,229,811 votes, placing him comfortably ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic. While Doncic has been a perennial starter throughout his career, this marks the first time the Slovenian superstar has led the overall balloting. The surge in support validates the blockbuster trade that brought him to California, proving that the "Luka Era" has fully captivated the Crypto.com Arena faithful.
Following a recent victory, Doncic appeared genuinely moved by the global outpouring of support. When asked if the distinction held special meaning, the 26-year-old dropped his usual stoic demeanor.
"Honestly, it does [hit me a certain way]," Doncic admitted to reporters. "It's the first time that happened to me. It's pretty amazing; a kid from Slovenia only could dream about that. Dream about being in the NBA. It's pretty amazing, so I really appreciate all the votes... it definitely hit me."
The voting dominance corresponds with a career-best campaign under head coach JJ Redick. Doncic is currently leading the NBA in scoring with 33.7 points per game, orchestrating the Lakers' offense with a level of efficiency that has kept the team in contention despite injuries to the roster. His ascension to the top spot is particularly poignant given the league's new USA vs. World format for the All-Star Game. As the presumptive captain of the World team, Doncic is set to headline the event at the Intuit Dome, potentially facing off against American stars who are now chasing him in both the standings and the popularity contest.
For the Lakers organization, the transition from the James era to the Doncic era appears seamless in the eyes of the fans. While the franchise remains focused on championship aspirations, the voters have made one thing clear: the NBA is now Luka's world.
According to the second returns released by the league this week, Doncic has amassed a staggering 2,229,811 votes, placing him comfortably ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic. While Doncic has been a perennial starter throughout his career, this marks the first time the Slovenian superstar has led the overall balloting. The surge in support validates the blockbuster trade that brought him to California, proving that the "Luka Era" has fully captivated the Crypto.com Arena faithful.
Following a recent victory, Doncic appeared genuinely moved by the global outpouring of support. When asked if the distinction held special meaning, the 26-year-old dropped his usual stoic demeanor.
"Honestly, it does [hit me a certain way]," Doncic admitted to reporters. "It's the first time that happened to me. It's pretty amazing; a kid from Slovenia only could dream about that. Dream about being in the NBA. It's pretty amazing, so I really appreciate all the votes... it definitely hit me."
The voting dominance corresponds with a career-best campaign under head coach JJ Redick. Doncic is currently leading the NBA in scoring with 33.7 points per game, orchestrating the Lakers' offense with a level of efficiency that has kept the team in contention despite injuries to the roster. His ascension to the top spot is particularly poignant given the league's new USA vs. World format for the All-Star Game. As the presumptive captain of the World team, Doncic is set to headline the event at the Intuit Dome, potentially facing off against American stars who are now chasing him in both the standings and the popularity contest.
For the Lakers organization, the transition from the James era to the Doncic era appears seamless in the eyes of the fans. While the franchise remains focused on championship aspirations, the voters have made one thing clear: the NBA is now Luka's world.
