The 2025-26 NBA regular season is set to conclude Sunday, and a major development has finalized the league’s scoring race. With Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ruled out for the final game, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is now officially set to lead the NBA in both points per game and total points.
Doncic entered the final day of the season already holding a narrow edge in scoring average, but the race for total points remained close. Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence removes any remaining path for him to overtake Doncic, securing the statistical milestone for the Lakers guard.
Doncic is averaging 33.5 points per game with 2,143 total points in 64 games, compared to Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31.1 points per game and 2,117 total points in 68 appearances.
Luka Doncic: 33.5 PPG / 2,153 PTS (64 GP) SGA: 31.1 PPG / 2,117 PTS (68 GP) Jaylen Brown: 28.7 PPG / 2,038 PTS (71 GP) Kevin Durant: 26.0 PPG / 2,026 PTS (78 GP)
The achievement comes despite Doncic playing fewer games than several top scorers. He has appeared in four fewer games than Gilgeous-Alexander and 14 fewer than Kevin Durant, yet still leads the league in total scoring output. As the postseason approaches, the milestone highlights Doncic’s offensive dominance during a season in which he has carried a significant workload for Los Angeles.
Luka Doncic Scoring Title and Season Numbers
GettyLakers guard Luka Doncic
Doncic’s scoring title reflects one of the most productive offensive seasons in the league. His 33.5 points per game lead all qualified players, placing him ahead of Gilgeous-Alexander and Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown, who is averaging 28.7 points per game.
In total points, Doncic’s 2,143 leads the league, followed by Gilgeous-Alexander (2,117) and Brown (2,038). Kevin Durant ranks fourth with 2,026 points across 78 games, while Tyrese Maxey rounds out the top five with 1,959 points.
The gap in games played further underscores Doncic’s scoring efficiency. Despite missing time late in the season due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, he maintained the highest scoring average in the NBA. His March stretch included Player of the Month honors, averaging 37.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.4 assists while leading the Lakers to a 14-2 record.
Doncic’s offensive role has been central to the Lakers’ identity. With key players, including Austin Reaves, injured, the team has relied heavily on his scoring and playmaking. His ability to generate offense at a high volume and efficiency has been a defining factor throughout the season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Absence and Impact on Scoring Race
GettyOklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence in the season finale ultimately determines the outcome of the scoring race.
His total of 2,117 points kept him within reach of Doncic entering the final day. However, being ruled out removes any opportunity to close the gap. Gilgeous-Alexander’s season remains one of the strongest individual campaigns in the league, positioning him among the top MVP candidates.
The decision to sit him aligns with broader end-of-season management trends, as teams prioritize health heading into the playoffs. Oklahoma City has already secured the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, reducing the need to push key players in the regular-season finale.
For Doncic, the result confirms a statistical trend that had been trending in his favor. Leading the league in both scoring average and total points is a rare accomplishment, particularly given the reduced number of games played.
As the playoffs approach, Doncic’s scoring title adds another milestone to his season. It also reinforces his role as one of the league’s primary offensive engines, entering the postseason with momentum despite recent injury concerns.
Luka Doncic Gets Huge News as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is Ruled Out for Season Finale