Such has been Luka Dončić’s dominance that the Los Angeles Lakers superstar has been one of the frontrunners for NBA MVP this season.
It has been a historic run for the mercurial guard as he broke and set a string of franchise records, while also leading the NBA in scoring this season. That said, analyst Nick Wright believed he was still being looked over for the MVP honors, much like in the past.
Why Nick Wright Believes the Media Is Ignoring Luka Dončić’s MVP Case
Speaking on “First Things First” on FS1, Wright lauded the star for his scintillating run and at the same time called out the media for not recognizing the Slovenian’s scoring prowess.
“Everyone who’s ever done this has either one MVP or had already won an MVP and came close, except for Luka, and now it’s going to happen to him again,” he said.
Wright also shed some context on his argument. “Every other person to do this, Wilt, Kareem, Michael, and Embiid, won the MVP,” he added. “Jordan came in second another time. Harden came in second when he had already won another MVP. Luka is going to average 33 a game on a 50+ win team, and nobody cares but me. It’s weird.”
The analyst also specifically called out Michael Wilbon for his comment on Dončić, calling the Lakers superstar “a half-court player.” Wright didn’t let it slide as he expressed his frustration about the young star likely missing out on MVP again.
Dončić is currently No. 2 in the rankings behind OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Victor Wembanyama is third, and Nikola Jokić is fourth.
With fewer than 10 games to go before the regular season ends, the MVP race only tightens up as the stars look to lead their respective teams to the postseason on the back of a healthy run. Dončić’s brilliant form puts LA on course to reach its second consecutive 50-win season.
MORE: Isaiah Thomas Claims There Would Be No Luka Dončić Without Prime James Harden’s Blueprint
Earlier, Lakers head coach JJ Redick believed that his guard deserved to win the honors. “To the MVP point, we would not be anywhere near the position we’re in without him having the season that he’s having. Particularly of late, he’s dominating right now,” he said, per LakersNation.
Dončić has been a force for the side this season, averaging 33.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists. His offensive prowess has been instrumental in the team’s current 47-26 record. They are third in the West and will likely finish in the same spot if they string up a few more wins to cap off what has been a solid season.
