nypost
Luka Doncic is poised to deliver his most impressive NBA campaign to date, with many around the league expecting him to capture the MVP award or at least finish as the runner-up if the Lakers struggle in the loaded Western Conference. The stage is set for a breakout year.
Doncic remains fueled by the memory of being traded from the Mavericks to the Lakers in February 2025, a move that left him shocked and humiliated. Few top-four players have ever been dealt in their prime, and Doncic carries a fierce determination to prove the league wrong. Now, with LeBron James departing for the 76ers in free agency, the Lakers are unequivocally Doncic's team, and the weight of a 17-time championship franchise rests on his shoulders.
During the offseason, Doncic made his influence felt, playing a key role in roster decisions. He advocated for the re-signing of Austin Reaves and the acquisition of center Walker Kessler via a sign-and-trade from Utah. He also organized a four-day minicamp in Slovenia, footing the bill for the entire roster to attend, a first in his career. Lakers coach JJ Redick noted that Doncic worked tirelessly all summer, incorporating sprints and other conditioning drills, and he appears noticeably slimmer and more committed to leading.
Last season, Doncic's MVP case was strong but ultimately fell short. In late March, he dropped from No. 2 to No. 4 on NBA.com's MVP Ladder despite a six-game stretch in which he averaged 40.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2.6 steals, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan in 1986 to average 40 points over six road games. He expressed frustration, saying, 'The better I play, the more I go down in ratings. So I don't know what more I can do.' Over March, he averaged 37.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, leading the Lakers to a 15-2 record before a hamstring strain on April 2. He finished fourth in MVP voting behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokic, though many believed he deserved higher consideration.
Doncic led the league in scoring (33.5 points) and ranked third in assists (8.3). Critics pointed to the Lakers' fourth-place finish in the West and Doncic's defense compared to Gilgeous-Alexander's two-way excellence and Wembanyama's shot-blocking. However, MVP voting is subjective; Russell Westbrook won in 2017 with a sixth-seeded Thunder, and Jokic won in 2021 with a third-seeded Nuggets. Defense hasn't always been a deciding factor either, as evidenced by Jokic, Steph Curry, and James Harden winning the award.
Key Analysis
Doncic's motivation extends beyond basketball. His daughters reside in Slovenia, and he is engaged in a custody battle with his ex-fiancée. Pouring himself into the sport has become his sanctuary. Unlike last season, when he declined to campaign for MVP, Doncic is now letting his actions speak. With a improved physique, a team tailored to his strengths, and a burning desire to silence doubters, all signs point to an explosive season. The ingredients are all there, and the result could be nothing short of spectacular.
Originally reported by nypost.