The NBA has approved appeals from Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, allowing both players to remain eligible for end-of-season awards despite falling short of the league’s 65-game minimum requirement. The decision comes after both players presented cases citing extraordinary circumstances for their reduced availability during the regular season.
Doncic, 27, played 64 games, missing time that included the birth of his daughter in Slovenia. Cunningham, 24, appeared in 63 games after suffering a collapsed lung that sidelined him for 12 contests. The league acknowledged these situations as valid exceptions under its eligibility policy, restoring their candidacy for major honors such as MVP and All-NBA selections.
The ruling brings renewed attention to two of the season’s most impactful performances. Doncic led the NBA in total scoring with 2,143 points and played a central role in helping the Lakers reach the playoffs, while also ranking among the league’s top global merchandise sellers. Cunningham, meanwhile, finished second in assists with 634 and guided the Detroit Pistons to a strong playoff position atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Not all appeals were successful. Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who played 60 games, was denied eligibility despite requesting similar consideration.
