With LeBron James no longer sharing the spotlight, Luka Doncic could unleash his most aggressive scoring season yet.
Luka Doncic has already established himself as one of the NBA’s most dangerous offensive players, but his first season as the unquestioned face of the Los Angeles Lakers could produce another scoring title.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon recently selected Doncic as their predicted scoring champion for the 2026-27 season. Their reasoning centered on his scoring history and the departure of LeBron James.
“Luka’s won it twice,” MacMahon said. “I think that with LeBron not being there anymore, Luka can go back to scoring how he scored in Dallas. So picking Luka makes a lot of sense.”
Doncic won his second scoring title last season after averaging 33.5 points. Another would make him only the seventh player in NBA history to win at least three scoring championships.
Doncic Will Control Everything
James’ departure for the Philadelphia 76ers officially handed control of the Lakers to Doncic.
Although Doncic was already Los Angeles’ leading scorer, he still shared offensive responsibilities with James and Austin Reaves. Without another high-usage star beside him, Doncic should control nearly every important possession.
Reaves will remain a major secondary creator after averaging 23.3 points and 5.5 assists last season. However, L.A.’s offense will begin with Doncic’s ability to manipulate defenses, attack mismatches and find open teammates.
The Lakers also constructed a roster that complements him. Walker Kessler gives Doncic an athletic pick-and-roll partner and lob threat. Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili can stretch the floor, while Collin Sexton provides another guard capable of attacking the basket.
Those additions should prevent defenses from consistently sending extra help toward Doncic.
Huge Performances Could Separate Him
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will remain one of Doncic’s strongest challengers. Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama could also enter the race if their scoring continues to improve.
However, Windhorst pointed toward the difference between Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistency and Doncic’s ability to produce historic performances.
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) gestures during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images“Shai can score 30 every game, but he doesn’t have a lot of the 50-point games, where Luka, he may score 73,” Windhorst said. “He’s going to still bully people. He will be scary.”
Doncic’s 73-point performance against the Atlanta Hawks in 2024 remains tied for the fourth-highest scoring game in league history. Those explosions can create separation during a season-long scoring race.
Few defenders can handle his combination of strength, size and patience. He can overpower smaller guards, force slower defenders into switches and create space with his step-back jumper.
Health may be the only major obstacle. Doncic dealt with a hamstring injury late last season that kept him out of the playoffs. The Lakers must balance his potential pursuit of individual honors with keeping him available for the postseason.
If Doncic stays healthy, everything is aligned for another scoring title. He will have the ball, the freedom and the supporting cast to produce the most aggressive season of his career.
