Nov 12, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) talks with Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) after being called for a foul in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Draymond Green Makes Strong Luka Doncic Statement After Lakers Trade

Originally posted on Golden State Warriors on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 4:46 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers made a splash ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline, shocking the league by trading for young superstar guard Luka Doncic.

Doncic, 26, had a solid start to his Lakers tenure, but it resulted in a disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In 28 games with Los Angeles, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, and now the superstar is gearing up for an even better 2025-26 campaign. Doncic has had an incredible 2025 offseason of training and getting in shape.

Luka Doncic is looking to train like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan:

“MJ and Kobe, you know, they really did a lot in their careers. They sacrificed a lot.” -Luka

When a player wants to become elite they think of Mike and Kobe, then they lock in

Greatness recognizes… pic.twitter.com/ItRUMPuvyQ
— Jacob (@Jacobtheclipper) July 29, 2025

"Obviously I’m very competitive. This summer was just a little different, you know. It kind of motivated me to be even better," Doncic said in an interview with Men's Health. "…If I stop now, it was all for nothing."

With a full offseason of training as a Laker and EuroBasket starting in August to warm him up for the next NBA season, Doncic is set for an incredible 2025-26 campaign, potentially MVP-caliber.

Luka Dončić Lakers passing pic.twitter.com/KpxFmihJHV
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) July 29, 2025

On Tuesday, Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green took to Threads to make a case for Doncic to win the NBA MVP award next season.

"Luka is looking like rookie Luka all over again. The Trade has created that hunger again it seems! ," Green posted.

"Also the perfect year to go win his 1st MVP award," Green continued. "Going right from Euros to training camp. Will already be in basketball shape and can hit the ground running! Coming off Team USA summers would make for the best situations coming into the season for me."

Doncic is certainly poised for a bounce-back season after playing just 50 games last year, and he will certainly use the momentum from EuroBasket to help him reach an MVP level.

This article first appeared on Golden State Warriors on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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