Luka Doncic gets closer to MVP, but Jokic and SGA slow him down

Luka Doncic opened the season with high-level performances, but he still sits third in MVP rankings. The Lakers star answered diplomatically when asked about the award: “I just play my game, everyone wants it, we’ll see.”

As Essentiallysports highlighted, that comment came after a triple-double against the Suns, where Luka Doncic posted 38 points and 11 rebounds. Still, his nine turnovers drew criticism. Soon after, he flew to Slovenia for the birth of his second daughter, while the Lakers struggled without him.

The return and Magic’s voice

Luka Doncic came back after two missed games and led a 112-108 win over the 76ers with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists. His impact was immediate and matched a public message from Magic Johnson, who called him “the leading MVP candidate” on social media.

Luka on whether he’ll chase the MVP award:

“I just play my game. You never know what’s gonna happen. Obviously I want it anybody in the world that plays basketball want it so will see what happens” pic.twitter.com/gXPwVOf0K2

— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) December 8, 2025

That statement from the Lakers legend fueled the debate. Many believe Luka Doncic’s campaign deserves more recognition, though comparisons with Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continue to shape the narrative.

The night also mattered for LeBron James, who redeemed his scoring streak with another strong performance. The combination of James and Doncic gave the Lakers a boost and fueled excitement about their chances in the West.

Between stats and perception

Luka Doncic has been close to the award before, even when he carried Dallas to the 2024 Finals. Yet Jokic’s dominance and SGA’s efficiency complicate his path. Doncic’s numbers are spectacular, but turnovers remain a weak spot.

Still, the Lakers with Luka Doncic on the floor show superior offense. They hold the second seed in the West, tied with Denver and ahead of the Mavericks. That context should matter in the discussion.

The challenge of ending the drought

Luka Doncic carries the weight of a fanbase that hasn’t celebrated an MVP since Kobe Bryant in 2008. The pressure is heavy, but so is the excitement of seeing a new leader in purple and gold. To achieve it, the Slovenian must cut down mistakes and keep the consistency that makes him one of the NBA’s most entertaining players.