Luka Doncic Emerges as Leading MVP Contender in NBA 2025-26 Season

Luka Doncic, at 26, is widely regarded as one of the NBA's elite players, having made five All-Star teams and led the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals. Despite his impressive credentials and being in peak physical condition after a midseason trade to the Lakers, most NBA insiders and executives still consider Nikola Jokic the best player in the league, with Doncic receiving only minimal votes in that category. Luka is seen as a top MVP candidate for the upcoming season, with experts noting his motivation and full season with the Lakers as key factors. Lakers legend Scottie Pippen emphasized the differences between today's NBA and the 80s and 90s, noting the importance of team dynamics over individual stars, which could influence championship outcomes. Doncic's arrival gives the Lakers a young, prime perimeter superstar to build around, a contrast to the aging LeBron James and Anthony Davis duo. While Jokic remains the dominant player, Doncic's recent performances, including a standout EuroBasket showing, position him as the primary challenger to Jokic's supremacy in the coming NBA season.