In an early preview of the 2025-26 NBA campaign, ESPN's comprehensive preseason MVP survey has placed Los Angeles Lakers standout Luka Doncic firmly in the second position among the league's elite. This ranking underscores the high expectations for the Slovenian sensation following a transitional but impactful previous season. The esteemed panel of reporters, editors, and analysts recognized Doncic's consistent high-level play and his potential to lead the Lakers to greater success, positioning him as a strong contender for the league's most prestigious individual award, despite Nikola Jokic securing the top spot and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander following in third.
The annual preseason MVP survey conducted by ESPN provides an insightful glimpse into the league's top talents and potential award contenders. For the 2025-26 season, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets emerged as the primary favorite, a testament to his exceptional 2024-25 season where he achieved a rare triple-double average, joining an exclusive group in NBA history. His impressive statistics included 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per contest, cementing his status as a dominant force. According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, voters were particularly swayed by Jokic's commanding playoff performance against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, anticipating his continued reign at the top.
Meanwhile, Doncic's ascent to the second spot is equally noteworthy. The 26-year-old guard experienced a significant mid-season move, transitioning from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the change in environment, Doncic maintained his statistical prowess, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists across 28 games with the Lakers. This sustained elite production solidified his reputation as one of the NBA's most versatile and impactful offensive players. Furthermore, his dedicated offseason conditioning, resulting in a noticeably leaner physique, reportedly impressed voters and contributed to his elevated standing in the MVP discourse.
Doncic's adaptability was on full display during the playoffs, where he averaged an impressive 30.2 points and nearly six assists per game in his inaugural postseason appearance with the Lakers. This performance demonstrated his capacity to quickly integrate into a new team structure and elevate his game when it mattered most. Looking ahead, the Lakers' overall team performance is viewed as a crucial factor in Doncic's MVP prospects. Following a first-round playoff exit last spring, the Lakers are reportedly building their strategy around Doncic, banking on his leadership to guide the franchise deeper into contention. The expectation is that a strong collective showing from the Lakers will further bolster Doncic's individual MVP case.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was crowned the MVP for the 2024-25 season, found himself ranked third in the recent poll. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard led his team to their first championship in nearly five decades, a monumental achievement. However, ESPN's panel suggested that the combination of team success and potential voter fatigue could impact his chances of securing consecutive MVP awards. This dynamic highlights the multifaceted nature of MVP voting, which often considers not only individual statistics but also team narratives and broader league trends. As the new season approaches, the race for the MVP title promises to be an exciting one, with Doncic poised to make a significant push for the coveted award.
