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Luka Doncic has exploded out of the gates in the 2026-27 NBA campaign, and his stellar play has caught the attention of one of the league's most respected scorers. Carmelo Anthony, appearing on his 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, voiced his belief that Doncic will take home the NBA MVP trophy this season, per The Sporting News.
Doncic, who has long been regarded as one of the premier talents in the association, had yet to secure the league's top individual honor. With a crowded field of superstars, the path to MVP has been daunting, but this year appears to present a clearer opportunity. Following LeBron James' departure, Doncic has solidified his status as the undisputed centerpiece of the Los Angeles Lakers, a role that was still somewhat uncertain during the 2025-26 season.
The numbers back up the hype. Through eight games, Doncic is posting a staggering 38.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8 assists per contest, showcasing his all-around dominance. His efforts have propelled the Lakers to a 7-2 record, placing them second in the Western Conference. Doncic's ball-dominant style, combined with his scoring and playmaking, has been the primary driver of Los Angeles' early success.
Key Analysis
Anthony, a renowned pure scorer, elaborated on what makes this version of Doncic different. "Like if you get a healthy Luka, in-shape Luka and, like, focused Luka. Giving effort on the defensive end, Luka, like, just commenting on that part of it, you know what I mean? That's a different Luka right there. If that's sustainable, we're talking about the West a lot different," Anthony said. The endorsement from a future Hall of Famer carries weight, especially given Doncic's previous MVP snubs at the hands of generational talents like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. While the season is still young and competition remains fierce—including a rising Victor Wembanyama—Doncic has positioned himself as the early frontrunner. If he maintains this level of play, the MVP conversation will only intensify.
Originally reported by yahoo.