Luka Dončić already has the production of an MVP, but team success and improved availability could finally deliver the award.
Luka Dončić has assembled nearly every individual credential required of an NBA Most Valuable Player, but the award has remained beyond his reach.
The Los Angeles Lakers star is a six-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA selection who has won two scoring titles. He has finished among the top six in MVP voting six times, including a third-place finish in 2023-24 and fourth-place finish last season.
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić (77) during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn ImagesDončić led the NBA with 33.5 points per game last season while adding 8.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals. He shot 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from 3-point range across 64 games.
Those numbers placed him squarely in the MVP discussion. To finally win it, Dončić must combine similar production with better health and a stronger Lakers record.
Availability remains essential
Dončić’s biggest obstacle may be reaching the league’s 65-game threshold for major awards.
He played 64 games last season before suffering a Grade 2 left hamstring strain that sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. Even without the injury, he would have needed at least one more appearance to qualify for the official MVP ballot.
Dončić has played 70 or more games only twice in eight NBA seasons. Reaching approximately 70 games would strengthen his case and help L.A. establish consistency in the standings.
Managing his workload will therefore be important.
The Lakers made a complete roster turnover to fit and grow around Dončić, giving coach JJ Redick more ball-handling and scoring options. Austin Reaves can also run the offense when Dončić rests.
That depth should reduce the need for Dončić to carry every possession during the regular season.
Lakers must rise in standings
Individual statistics are unlikely to be a problem.
Dončić owns a career average of 29.2 points and has already produced several seasons worthy of serious MVP consideration.
Team success may separate him from other candidates.
If the Lakers finish fourth or fifth, Dončić will remain in the race. If he leads them to a top-three seed despite James’ departure and significant roster turnover, his argument becomes much harder for voters to dismiss.
Walker Kessler could play a major role. His rim protection should improve L.A.’s defense, while his screening, rebounding and lob-catching ability fit naturally alongside Dončić.
Efficiency could provide the final boost. Raising his free-throw percentage from 78%, limiting turnovers and maintaining his defensive engagement would make an already remarkable statistical profile more complete.
Dončić does not need to reinvent his game to win MVP. He needs to stay on the court, lead the Lakers near the top of the West and turn elite numbers into sustained team success.
