CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish has seen enough from Los Angeles Lakers phenom Luka Doncic.
The electric 6-foot-6 guard is off to a historic start to the 2025-26 campaign, recently becoming the first player in NBA history to record 400+ points and 100+ assists through 12 games.
As a result, Wimbish believes Doncic has a good chance of outdueling Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo for a prestigious end-of-season award.
“It's not going to be easy,” Wimbish wrote Monday. “Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have certainly made sure of that. But Dončić is leading the league in scoring, and he hasn't shot the ball this well since the year he finished third in MVP voting in 2024.”
“He has four 40-point games already this season, is looking more engaged on defense, and is averaging nearly a triple-double.”
“Doncic has always been able to stuff a statsheet, but he's never been this dominant to start the season. He typically uses the first two months to get into shape, but he entered the season motivated and already in midseason form.”
“His production hasn't wavered in the two games LeBron (James) has returned, and the Lakers have essentially given Dončić the keys to the kingdom. If he manages to get this team to a top-four seed while carrying this same level of production, it will be difficult to ignore him for Most Valuable Player.”
From a resume-building standpoint, Doncic benefited tremendously from James’ 14-game absence.
With Reaves being the only other player capable of thriving as a high-usage playmaker/shot creator, Doncic, along with Reaves, feasted on the offensive end, helping his MVP case.
Even with James returning to the Lakers’ lineup last Tuesday against the Jazz, it was still the Doncic show from start to finish, as the methodical former Dallas Mavericks superstar finished with 37 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds in 37 minutes.
Doncic followed up that stellar performance with a 33-point, 11-rebound, eight-assist outing in Los Angeles’ rematch vs. The Jazz on Sunday (the Lakers won both games).
For the season, Doncic is averaging 34.5 points, 8.9 assists, and 8.8 rebounds per game.
Assuming the former lottery pick continues to shine in JJ Redick’s offense, and the Lakers finish the year with 50+ victories, Doncic will unquestionably be in the thick of the MVP race when it matters most.
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