Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Lakers' Luka Doncic Gets Unfortunate MVP Prediction From NBA Insiders

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Aug 28, 2025 1:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers have already started building the future of the franchise around Luka Doncic. After trading for Doncic, he is going to be the one that they build the team around for the next ten years.

Doncic is finally in some good shape coming into an NBA season for the first time in his career. That should help him put together the best season he's ever had.

When healthy, he is one of the best offensive weapons in the league. Despite that, some NBA insiders don't believe he will put together an MVP campaign next season.

More news: Former Lakers Champ Physically Fought Kobe Bryant To Earn Respect

According to a poll of NBA insiders on ESPN, Doncic finished second in MVP voting. He was more than 20 points behind Nikola Jokic for the top spot.

Doncic is a great offensive player, but he doesn't control every aspect of the game like Jokic does. Not only is he an elite scorer, but he also grabs a ton of rebounds and is one of the best passers in the game.

This could also be the fact that Doncic might not be on a team that is good enough to win a title. Usually, the MVP award goes to the best player on the best team.

Doncic is going to be one of the most scrutinized players in the league next season because of how he looked in the playoffs last season against the Timberwolves, especially on the defensive end.

More news: New Lakers Guard Reveals Why He Chose LA Over East Contender

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic not predicted to win MVP award after transformational offseason

The Lakers still think that they can improve on their record from last season, when they were the third seed in the Western Conference. They will have Doncic for an entire season.

Adding Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia into the fold should help them make a deeper run in the playoffs than they did last season.

Doncic is going to be the leader of this team instead of LeBron James. If he plays better defensively, he might have an outside shot at winning MVP.

After being traded to LA, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. He shot 43.8 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.