Luka Doncic faces high expectations with the Los Angeles Lakers
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 11:25 AM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026
NBA insider Tim MacMahon suggests that Luka Doncic could secure his first MVP award this season despite a reshaped Los Angeles Lakers roster. After the departure of five rotation players in free agency, the team relies on new arrivals such as Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes. MacMahon notes that if the Lakers reach 53 wins and Doncic maintains his typical statistical output, he will have a viable case for the league's top honor. The narrative surrounding the team's lowered expectations following the departure of LeBron James may assist in his campaign. Historically, Doncic has struggled to secure the award against competition from Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Voters may also consider a desire for a new winner as a factor in the upcoming race.
- •Luka Doncic leads a Los Angeles Lakers roster featuring new additions like Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes.
- •Tim MacMahon identifies 53 wins as a potential benchmark for a successful MVP campaign.
- •Doncic previously finished third in MVP voting during the 2023-2024 season.
- •Voter fatigue could potentially influence the selection process for the upcoming season.
- 11:25 AMYahoo Sports — Former Los Angeles Lakers Champion Has Serious Doubts About Their Title Hopes With Luka Doncic Leading the Way
- 2:07 AMYahoo Sports — Lakers Legend Shares Why Luka Doncic Can’t Lead This Team
- 3:41 AMYahoo Sports — NBA Insider Shares Why Luka Doncic Will Win MVP This Season
"The pressure on Luka Doncic may be stronger than ever to contend leading the Los Angeles Lakers with a flawed roster. NBA fans are still scratching their heads over the Lakers willingly choosing to let five rotation players leave in free agency for questionable replacements. Names like Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes will have to […] The post NBA Insider Shares Why Luka Doncic Will Win MVP This Season appeared first on HEAVY.
"Former Los Angeles Lakers star Byron Scott had a strong take ahead of the upcoming season that will not provide much hope for fans. There is already a lot of debate over the Lakers roster and if they made the right moves to contend this season. Losing LeBron James and Rui Hachimura completely ruined the […] The post Lakers Legend Shares Why Luka Doncic Can’t Lead This Team appeared first on HEAVY.
"Trevor Ariza is not optimistic about the Los Angeles Lakers‘ title hopes this season, despite heaping praise on Luka Doncic. The former NBA journeyman said in his exclusive interview with SI’s Ryan Ward that Doncic’s defense could become the team’s Achilles’ heel. “If a team that Luka Doncic is the primary player on, I think [...]
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 11:25 AMFormer Los Angeles Lakers Champion Has Serious Doubts About Their Title Hopes With Luka Doncic Leading the Way
Trevor Ariza is not optimistic about the Los Angeles Lakers‘ title hopes this season, despite heaping praise on Luka Doncic. The former NBA journeyman said in his exclusive interview with SI’s Ryan Ward that Doncic’s defense could become the team’s Achilles’ heel. “If a team that Luka Doncic is the primary player on, I think [...]
- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 2:07 AMLakers Legend Shares Why Luka Doncic Can’t Lead This Team
Former Los Angeles Lakers star Byron Scott had a strong take ahead of the upcoming season that will not provide much hope for fans. There is already a lot of debate over the Lakers roster and if they made the right moves to contend this season. Losing LeBron James and Rui Hachimura completely ruined the […] The post Lakers Legend Shares Why Luka Doncic Can’t Lead This Team appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 3:41 AMNBA Insider Shares Why Luka Doncic Will Win MVP This Season
The pressure on Luka Doncic may be stronger than ever to contend leading the Los Angeles Lakers with a flawed roster. NBA fans are still scratching their heads over the Lakers willingly choosing to let five rotation players leave in free agency for questionable replacements. Names like Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes will have to […] The post NBA Insider Shares Why Luka Doncic Will Win MVP This Season appeared first on HEAVY.
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