ESPN insider predicts huge MVP breakthrough for Luka Doncic
· Yahoo Sports
ESPN insider predicts huge MVP breakthrough for Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Luka Doncic has already built the résumé of an NBA Most Valuable Player. The one thing missing is the trophy.
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ESPN insider Tim MacMahon believes the 2026-27 season could finally change that.
Doncic enters the season as the unquestioned centerpiece of the Los Angeles Lakers, and expectations surrounding the franchise have shifted following significant offseason changes. MacMahon believes that combination could create a compelling MVP narrative if Doncic keeps Los Angeles among the Western Conference’s top teams.
“I think it’s pretty well set up for Luka to potentially win his first,” MacMahon said. “And a narrative where the expectations for the Lakers are as low as they’ve been since LeBron arrived.”
Doncic certainly has the statistical production.
Why the Lakers’ low expectations could help
Last season, he averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds while appearing in 64 games. Los Angeles finished 53-29, but Doncic ultimately placed fourth in MVP voting.
MacMahon believes another season of similar individual production combined with significant team success could make Doncic difficult for voters to overlook.
“If they win 53 games, which isn’t out of the realm of possibility if Luka stays healthy,” MacMahon said. “You don’t wonder if he’s going to have numbers. If the guy plays, he’ll put up MVP numbers.”
That could be the biggest factor separating Doncic from finally capturing the award.
The Lakers don’t necessarily need to dominate the NBA standings. If expectations remain relatively modest and Doncic carries Los Angeles to another 50-plus-win season, voters could view the team’s success as further evidence of his value.
“If they win 53 games and he’s putting up those kind of numbers,” MacMahon added, “I think he’s going to have a hell of a case.”
Doncic has been close before, including a third-place MVP finish in 2023-24.
Now, the opportunity may be better than ever.
Stay healthy, produce his usual superstar numbers and keep the Lakers winning.
If Doncic checks those three boxes, his long wait for an MVP trophy could finally end.
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