Analysts project Luka Doncic to lead NBA in scoring this season
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 4:58 AM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026
NBA analysts Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon predict Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic will secure his third career scoring title in the 2026-27 season. The projection follows the departure of LeBron James, who left the franchise to join the Philadelphia 76ers this summer. With James no longer sharing the floor, analysts expect Doncic to reclaim the high-volume scoring role he previously held while playing for Dallas. During the 2025-26 campaign, Doncic appeared in 64 games and averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds. While Doncic finished fourth in league MVP voting last year, MacMahon suggested he could contend for the award this season if he maintains a 30-point scoring average and leads the Lakers to 53 wins. Physical conditioning remains a focus as the six-time All-Star enters the year with a leaner frame.
- •Luka Doncic averaged 33.5 points per game during the 2025-26 NBA season.
- •LeBron James joined the Philadelphia 76ers for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
- •Analysts expect Luka Doncic to assume a larger scoring role without LeBron James on the roster.
- •Luka Doncic is a two-time NBA scoring title winner.
- •Tim MacMahon cited 53 wins as a potential benchmark for Luka Doncic to compete for league MVP.
- 4:58 AMYahoo Sports — Luka Doncic Sounds Off on Lakers’ Championship Mindset After LeBron James Exit
- 11:01 AMYahoo Sports — ‘He Will Be Scary’ – ESPN Insider Predicts LeBron James’ Exit Will Lead to Major Leap for Lakers Superstar Luka Dončić
- 9:51 AMYahoo Sports — Luka Doncic Predicted to Win 3rd Scoring Title as LeBron James’ Lakers Exit Opens Door for Superstar
"Luka Doncic has emerged as the centerpiece of head coach JJ Redick’s system in Los Angeles Lakers. With LeBron James ultimately departing the Lakers this offseason following eight seasons with the franchise, the offense is now built almost entirely around Doncic’s exceptional playmaking ability, shot creation, and high-volume pick-and-roll game. Luka Doncic Highlights Improved Lakers Chemistry [...]
"The Los Angeles Lakers have finally handed the reins to star guard Luka Doncic this summer. After LeBron James chose to play for the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2026-27 season, it became clear who’s in the driver’s seat for the Lakers. Doncic is expected to take over as the new leader following James’ departure. Doncic [...]
"Ever since LeBron James packed his bags and joined the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason, a lot has been made about how well he will fit in with his new team. However, what about the Los Angeles Lakers? The Lakers have undergone major change and were spurred into a spending spree after LeBron’s decision to leave.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 4:58 AMLuka Doncic Sounds Off on Lakers’ Championship Mindset After LeBron James Exit
Luka Doncic has emerged as the centerpiece of head coach JJ Redick’s system in Los Angeles Lakers. With LeBron James ultimately departing the Lakers this offseason following eight seasons with the franchise, the offense is now built almost entirely around Doncic’s exceptional playmaking ability, shot creation, and high-volume pick-and-roll game. Luka Doncic Highlights Improved Lakers Chemistry [...]
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 11:01 AM‘He Will Be Scary’ – ESPN Insider Predicts LeBron James’ Exit Will Lead to Major Leap for Lakers Superstar Luka Dončić
Ever since LeBron James packed his bags and joined the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason, a lot has been made about how well he will fit in with his new team. However, what about the Los Angeles Lakers? The Lakers have undergone major change and were spurred into a spending spree after LeBron’s decision to leave.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 9:51 AMLuka Doncic Predicted to Win 3rd Scoring Title as LeBron James’ Lakers Exit Opens Door for Superstar
The Los Angeles Lakers have finally handed the reins to star guard Luka Doncic this summer. After LeBron James chose to play for the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2026-27 season, it became clear who’s in the driver’s seat for the Lakers. Doncic is expected to take over as the new leader following James’ departure. Doncic [...]
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