Luka Doncic, a perennial problem for opposing defenses, appears to be a man on a mission following his significant midseason trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. According to Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, the superstar guard exhibits renewed motivation after his move to Los Angeles, a shift that could very well catalyze the most impactful season of Doncic’s illustrious career, culminating in his first NBA Most Valuable Player award.
Green, a four-time NBA champion and respected veteran, highlighted Doncic’s rediscovered hunger on Instagram, noting, “Luka is looking like rookie Luka all over again. The trade has created that hunger again, it seems! Also, the perfect year to go win his first MVP award.” This endorsement from a player known for his high basketball IQ and understanding of championship-caliber talent adds significant weight to the growing MVP buzz surrounding Doncic.
While Draymond Green has previously spoken highly of Doncic, the sentiment this summer feels distinctly different. Since his February trade from the Mavericks, Doncic has been visibly determined to silence any lingering doubts about his dedication to the game and his physical conditioning, embarking on a transformative offseason regimen to prepare for his new chapter with the Lakers.
In his inaugural offseason in Los Angeles, Luka Doncic has taken drastic measures to ensure he reaches his peak physical condition for the upcoming NBA season. Beyond adhering to a strict diet, he has dedicated the entire summer to intensive training, focusing on building stamina, maintaining optimal shape, and significantly slimming down to a more appropriate playing weight, even abstaining from international play for the first time in his career to prioritize his Lakers tenure.
Draymond Green’s MVP prediction highlights one of the few individual accolades that has eluded Doncic thus far. Despite consistently posting elite career averages of 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game on 45.0% shooting, the Slovenian sensation has yet to capture an MVP trophy, with his closest bid coming in the 2023-24 campaign when he finished third in the voting.
Entering the new season, Luka Doncic is primed for a career-defining year, but securing the MVP award will require more than just top-tier scoring. To truly contend for the honor, he will need to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a top-three seed in the Western Conference, a feat he demonstrated capability for during the latter half of last season following his arrival.
The supporting cast around Doncic this year is also a significant factor. He is set to play alongside a starting-caliber center, offering crucial interior presence. With familiar faces like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura complementing his playmaking, life on the court should be considerably easier for him. If Doncic maintains his health and this newfound level of focus, the MVP chatter will transcend preseason speculation, becoming a legitimate and formidable campaign. With LeBron James seemingly passing the torch and the Lakers fully committed to his leadership, Doncic finally possesses the ideal platform and surrounding talent to showcase the absolute best version of his game, a version that promises to be the most formidable the league has ever witnessed.
