2025 NBA Awards: Notable Star Players Ruled Ineligible Due To 65-Game Requirement Ft. Luka Doncic And Kawhi Leonard

Prominent NBA Players Ineligible for the 2025 Awards Due to Game Requirements, including Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard
Luka Doncic (Photo by Christopher Hanewinckel/Imagn Images) and Kawhi Leonard (Photo by Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

The NBA has a 65-game rule that requires players to participate in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for certain prestigious awards. These awards include the NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, and selections for the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams. Luka Doncic was previously uncertain about his eligibility for these accolades, but recent news has confirmed that he will not be eligible.

The NBA on ESPN has recently unveiled the list of players who will not qualify for the league’s awards due to the stringent 65-game rule. Among those notably impacted are Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Ja Morant, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard.

Doncic was sidelined for multiple games due to a calf strain he sustained during the Christmas Day matchup. Meanwhile, on February 20, the San Antonio Spurs ended Wembanyama’s season after identifying deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

Leonard missed 34 games for the Los Angeles Clippers due to right knee inflammation. He returned on January 4, 2025, scoring 12 points in a victory over the Atlanta Hawks. However, after just two games, he stepped away to be with family as they evacuated due to wildfires in Southern California.

Morant missed 22 games for the Memphis Grizzlies, including 10 games due to an injury he sustained while attempting a dunk against the Los Angeles Lakers. On the other hand, Paul George missed 17 games this season for the Philadelphia 76ers due to a bone bruise.

  • TRENDING NEWS

Luka Doncic’s First Stellar Game For The Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off an incredible move by bringing Luka Doncic on board in a blockbuster deal with the Dallas Mavericks on February 2, 2025. In the recent game against the Denver Nuggets, Doncic made his first dominating performance for the Lakers.

People were interested in these podcasts
40min
In the Flat
Episode 121: The Season Finale of the 2023 College Football Season
The In The Flat crew bring you our season finale of the 2023 College Football season. Expect tears as we give props to Michigan. This will be our final show for the next couple of months as we look to redesign the podcast to bring you a better experience before the 2024 season. Thanks for joining us this season! Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/InTheFlatPod Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp by using our link– BetterHelp.com/InTheFlat
Patriots Beat
Patriots vs Chargers Recap + What’s Next for New England?
The New England Patriots endured a tough 40-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, dropping their season record to 3-13. On the latest episode of Patriots Beat, Alex Barth from 98.5 The Sports Hub and Brian Hines from Pats Pulpit go live to break down what’s next for New England. 0:00 – Mayo’s future 16:25 – Drake Maye’s health 18:44 – Eliot Wolf 24:11 – Rookie wide receivers 26:01 – Defense struggles 30:20 – Coaching staff issues 34:03 – Young player development 37:50 – Coaching staff candidates 39:24 – Trade first overall pick? 54:15 – Tee Higgins Patriots Beat is presented by: Prize Picks! Get in on the excitement with PrizePicks, America’s No. 1 Fantasy Sports App, where you can turn your hoops knowledge into serious cash. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 when you play $5! PrizePicks, run your game! Go to https://PrizePicks.com/CLNS Gametime! Take the guesswork out of buying NBA tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime! Terms apply. Go to https://gametime.co ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jungle Roar
JungleRoar Skinny Bengals Pod Night To Remember In Dallas for Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins
ARLINGTON, Tx. — Ja’Marr Chase caught the game-winning 40-yard touchdown pass with 61 seconds left to lift the Bengals to a 27-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys Monday night at AT&T Stadium. Joe Burrow completed 33-of-44 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns and suffered a banged up left knee. But the real news came after the game when Joe Burrow hinted that talks are ongoing with Tee Higgins to find a way to bring him back on a long-term deal and that Ja’Marr Chase should get whatever he’s asking for in terms of a long-term deal in the offseason. Trags and Skinny of Local12 have the complete breakdown of what it all means in the latest episode of the Jungle Roar pod from AT&T Stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Patriots Daily Podcast
Patriots Hire Josh McDaniels As Next Offensive Coordinator
The Patriots are hiring Josh McDaniels as their offensive coordinator for his third stint in the role. Kirk Minihane was first to report on it. McDaniels interviewed Monday and was always the top choice. He’ll join Mike Vrabel’s staff and work with rookie QB Drake Maye. On defense, the Patriots are interviewing Lions DL coach Terrell Williams for the defensive coordinator spot. Albert Breer reports it’s likely Williams will join Vrabel’s staff. CLNS Media’s Taylor Kyles and Sports Illustrated’s Mike Kadlick go LIVE for a emergency episode of Patriots Daily to react to the hire. ************************************************ Patriots Daily Brought to you by…. 💰 Prize Picks – https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS Download the app today and use Code CLNS at PrizePicks.com/CLNS & Get $50 instantly when you play $5! 🎫 Gametime – https://gametime.co Take the guesswork out of buying NFL tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Download Gametime today. Terms apply. What time is it? Gametime! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doncic played for 31 minutes and recorded a double-double, scoring 32 points, seven assists and 10 rebounds. LeBron James contributed 25 points, five assists, and nine rebounds, while Austin Reaves added 23 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. Rui Hachimura also made a strong impact, scoring 21 points and providing four assists. These impressive performances led the Lakers to a convincing 123-100 victory against the Nuggets.

The Lakers currently sit in fourth place in the Western Conference standings with a 34-21 record. They will play their next game against Doncic’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks, at Crypto.com Arena.