Luka Dončić has hovered around the MVP conversation virtually every season since entering the league, and he came remarkably close during the Mavericks’ 2024 Finals run. Now leading the Lakers in Los Angeles, Dončić’s determination hasn’t wavered. If anything, it’s intensified.
This season, Dončić has been the driving force behind the Lakers’ surge through the Western Conference and is making an even better case for the MVP. After another standout performance on Sunday night, the superstar didn’t hold back when asked about his pursuit of the award that has eluded him so far.
Luka Dončić Sends a Clear Message About His MVP Ambitions
Dončić is on a production streak that could arguably be the best of his career. The Lakers have handed him the keys to the offense despite LeBron James’ return. Dončić is answering with near triple-double averages, 14 double-doubles, while leading the league in scoring.
His impact isn’t limited to offense. Dončić has also elevated his defense, recording a five-steal game and two four-steal games this season. His all-around dominance is a major reason the Lakers have started the season strongly, even though James only recently returned and didn’t have a fully impactful game until Monday.
On the road against the Philadelphia 76ers, James recorded 29 points, six assists, and seven rebounds, but it was Dončić who stole the spotlight on his return from a two-game absence. He posted 31 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists, and two blocks, leading the Lakers to a 112-108 victory and strengthening his case for the MVP award.
“I just play my game. You never know what’s gonna happen,” Dončić said when asked about chasing the MVP award. “Obviously, I want it. Anybody in the world that plays basketball wants it, so we’ll see what happens.”
Luka returned to the Laker lineup in emphatic fashion!
🪄 31 PTS
🪄 15 REB
🪄 11 AST
🪄 2 BLKLakers win on the road and move to 17-6. pic.twitter.com/S1xvAxlRXw
— NBA (@NBA) December 8, 2025
If any bitterness about his Mavericks trade lingers, Dončić is channeling it into performance. He currently leads the NBA in scoring with 35 points per game, alongside 9.2 rebounds and 9.1 assists. His production has helped the Lakers match the Denver Nuggets with the second-best record in the Western Conference at 17-6.
Despite his stellar start, Dončić isn’t the clear favorite for the MVP yet. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32.8 points and 6.4 assists while leading the defending champion OKC Thunder to a remarkable 23-1 start, aiming for his second consecutive MVP. Meanwhile, Denver’s Nikola Jokic continues to post jaw-dropping numbers with 29.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game.
It’s shaping up to be a close race, but if Dončić maintains his high level of play and the Lakers keep winning, he could finally secure his first career NBA MVP award, becoming the first Laker to do so since the late Kobe Bryant in 2008.
