ESPN Survey Shows NBA Insiders High on Lakers’ Luka Doncic Entering 2025-26
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NBA decision-makers expect a standout season from Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, according to ESPN’s annual offseason survey of executives, scouts and coaches released this week.
Strong MVP backing
The 26-year-old landed third in projected 2026 MVP voting, collecting four of 20 ballots:
• Nikola Jokic – 7 votes
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 5 votes
• Luka Doncic – 4 votes
• Victor Wembanyama – 2 votes
• Giannis Antetokounmpo – 1 vote
• Anthony Edwards – 1 vote
Doncic’s placement follows an offseason in which he reported to camp in top condition and starred for Slovenia at FIBA EuroBasket 2025. Last year he was limited to 50 regular-season games because of injury but still earned his fifth consecutive All-NBA First Team selection.
Only challenger to Jokic for “best player” label
Survey participants overwhelmingly named Jokic the league’s current top talent, yet Doncic received the lone other vote in the category:
• Nikola Jokic – 19 votes
• Luka Doncic – 1 vote
Looking ahead to 2030
Respondents were also asked who will be the NBA’s best player five years from now. San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama headlined the list, with Doncic finishing second:
• Victor Wembanyama – 16 votes
• Luka Doncic – 2 votes
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 1 vote
• Jayson Tatum – 1 vote
Heightened expectations in Los Angeles
Doncic is entering his first full campaign with the Lakers after being traded to Los Angeles during the 2024-25 season. Team success is expected to weigh heavily on his MVP chances, with the Lakers aiming to rejoin the Western Conference elite under head coach JJ Redick. Fans recently reminded UConn coach Dan Hurley—who turned down the Lakers job before Redick was hired—of the blockbuster Doncic acquisition during social-media exchanges.
Training camp opens later this month, and league insiders will be watching to see whether Doncic can translate offseason optimism into his first MVP award and a deep Lakers playoff run.
Source: Lakers Nation
