Rachel Nichols and Luka Doncic (Photo by Imagn Images)

Rachel Nichols Makes Unexpected MVP Voting Decision on Luka Doncic

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 1:55 AM ET

The 2025-2026 NBA season’s MVP race has been one of the most scrutinized ever. Four names are often mentioned as worthy of taking home the prestigious hardware: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic.

Of the four names, it’s Luka Doncic who often gets overlooked despite his stellar play this season. While getting his 16th technical foul may have played a bit of a role in his recent smear campaign, it’s safe to say that this season has been the most productive ever for the Slovenian-born superstar.

However, Luka’s stellar and MVP-worthy season in LA was met by a weird narrative from Rachel Nichols.

“Is he [Luka Doncic] the top contender for MVP right now? No, he is not. Is the reason because you do have to play both sides of the ball for all eight months of the season? Yes, it is,” Nichols said to Sports Illustrated.

Rachel Nichols says she’s NOT voting for Luka Dončić for MVP because you have to play both sides of the ball for eight months

( @SInow )

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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 31, 2026

“And it is a full-season award, and it’s for both sides of the ball. So, am I going to vote him my number one for MVP? No,” she added.

Years ago, the same Rachel Nichols campaigned for James Harden to win MVP while admitting that the latter is not a good defender. Unsurprisingly, she’s being called out for her previous statement on X right now.

Maybe the NBA should adopt a checklist in the future to ensure MVP voting is fair and square. Feelings and personal opinions are running rampant when it comes to votes, especially today.

Former NBA Legend Warns NBA About Luka Doncic

Perhaps Luka Doncic was too good at such a young age that the goalposts have constantly moved due to his brilliance. But for Dirk Nowitzki, he knows that the Lakers star has what it takes to take his game to another level in the playoffs.

Luka Doncic (Image Credits: Imagn)

“Luka [Doncic] has been playing incredible basketball, on fire for weeks now, averaging almost 40,” Dirk Nowitzki said. “He has his step back working, and when the step back works, watch out, other teams. He’s basically unarguable…. Is that a team you really want to see in the playoffs with 3 guys that can take over down the stretch? I’ve been impressed with them.”

The Los Angeles Lakers will likely finish third in the brutal Western Conference. With everybody nearly healthy, they are going to be a tough customer in the 2026 postseason. And the way Luka has been playing, other teams should be wary.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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