Unidentified insider asserts that Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers is predicted to secure MVP honors during the 2025-2026 season.
In a surprising turn of events, Luka Doncic, the enigmatic superstar, has found a new home with the Los Angeles Lakers following a midseason trade from the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024-25 season [5]. Since then, Doncic has signed a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension, signaling a long-term commitment to the Lakers [1].
The trade has proven to be a catalyst for Doncic, who has reportedly been in the best shape of his career this offseason, having dropped an impressive 30 pounds [4]. This transformation has not gone unnoticed, with many observers commenting on his quicker and more explosive play [7].
The Lakers' decision to build their team around Doncic comes as no surprise, given his impressive career statistics. With a career scoring average of 28.6 points per game, only Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain have higher averages in NBA history [8]. In the 2023-24 season, Doncic led the league in scoring average and finished third in MVP voting [6].
The Lakers' faith in Doncic's potential extends beyond the present, with many predicting him to be a strong MVP candidate in the coming seasons. An anonymous NBA scout even goes as far as to predict that Doncic will win the MVP award in the 2025-26 season [2].
Interestingly, the scout also suggests that Doncic's motivation to excel with the Lakers may stem from a desire to prove himself against the Dallas Mavericks, whom he feels were unappreciative of his talents [3].
The Lakers' betting odds for the upcoming season reflect this optimism, with Doncic currently sitting at +650 to win the MVP award, placing him third behind Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander [9]. With LeBron James still on the roster, the Lakers are poised to be a formidable force in the NBA.
As Doncic settles into his new role with the Lakers, one thing is clear: his future with the franchise is bright, and he is poised to become a pivotal figure in the Lakers' success for years to come.
References: 1. ESPN 2. Sports Illustrated 3. The Athletic 4. NBC Sports 5. NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) on Twitter 6. NBA.com 7. CBS Sports 8. Basketball-Reference 9. FanDuel Sportsbook
- Luka Doncic, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, continues to make a compelling case for sports greatness, given his impressive MVP voting results and exceptional NBA career statistics.
- Doncic's recently signed maximum contract extension with the Lakers signifies his readiness to embody the team, as he aims to win the MVP award by the 2025-26 season, according to an anonymous NBA scout.
- In the upcoming NBA season, Doncic's potential integration with LeBron James could propel the Lakers into a powerful force, with his MVP odds currently standing at +650, placing him among the top contenders for the award.