ESPN insider Tim MacMahon just dropped a bombshell prediction: the 2026-27 season is finally Luka Doncic’s time to snatch that elusive NBA Most Valuable Player trophy. Doncic has been building an MVP-caliber résumé for years, and MacMahon believes the stars are aligning for him to finally get the hardware. He’s heading into the season as the undisputed centerpiece for the Los Angeles Lakers, and that clarity, combined with surprisingly modest expectations for the squad, could be the perfect storm for an MVP narrative.
Why Low Expectations Could Propel Doncic to MVP
MacMahon’s take is that the stage is “pretty well set up for Luka to potentially win his first.” The biggest factor? The Lakers’ expectations are “as low as they’ve been since LeBron arrived.” Think about that. Even though the Lakers finished 53-29 last season, those low expectations could actually work in Doncic’s favor. If he can carry Los Angeles to another 50-plus-win season while putting up his usual monster numbers, voters could easily see that as an even stronger testament to his value. It’s not about dominating the entire league, it’s about exceeding what people think they can do, and Doncic doing the heavy lifting.
The Superstar Numbers Are Already There
Doncic certainly isn’t lacking when it comes to raw production. Last season, he averaged a staggering 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds in 64 games. That’s pure superstar stuff. Despite those insane stats, he ultimately finished fourth in MVP voting. MacMahon is convinced that if Doncic stays healthy and the Lakers hit around 53 wins again, his individual brilliance will be impossible to ignore. “You don’t wonder if he’s going to have numbers,” MacMahon said. “If the guy plays, he’ll put up MVP numbers.” He’s been close before, even finishing third in MVP voting back in 2023-24. This isn’t a fluke; Doncic consistently delivers.
So, what’s the blueprint for Luka’s MVP run? It’s simple: stay healthy, keep putting up those ridiculous superstar numbers, and keep the Lakers winning. If Doncic checks those three boxes as the new season kicks off, his long wait for that MVP trophy could absolutely be over. Get ready to watch him tear it up this season and make a seriously compelling case for the league’s top individual honor.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply