Luka Doncic Gets Massive MVP Boost as Gilbert Arenas Makes Bold 2027 Prediction
· Yahoo Sports
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is viewed as a potential MVP candidate for the 2026-27 NBA season. Over the past few seasons, Doncic has been in the top 10 of the MVP race. During the previous campaign, the Slovenian star finished No. 4 in the voting.
Now that Doncic will be the captain of the Lakers’ ship, many believe he has a better chance at winning the MVP. However, other stars like Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are more heavily favored.
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On Tuesday’s episode of “Gil’s Arena,” former NBA star Gilbert Arenas strongly predicts that Doncic will finish No. 2 in the MVP voting next season.
Apr 2, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) stands on the court during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images“I will put him second,” Arenas said. “I think that they’re gonna push Shai down so far. … His vote is done. It’s going to be Wemby, Luka, Jokic, like that.”
Will Luka finish Top 2 in MVP voting this year
Download the Polymarket app and use code ARENA. #polymarketpartnerpic.twitter.com/yfegydJMtD
— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) September 16, 2026
If Arenas’ prediction proves accurate, it would mark the first time Luka Doncic finishes as the MVP runner-up. The closest he’s been was in the 2023-24 season, when he finished No. 3 in the race. He was with the Dallas Mavericks at the time and appeared in 70 games, averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists, winning his first scoring title. The six-time All-Star also led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals for the first time since they won it with Dirk Nowitzki in 2011.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon also made a bolder prediction about Doncic’s MVP case, saying he has a chance to win his first next season.
“I think it’s pretty well set up for Luka to potentially win his first. And a narrative where the expectations for the Lakers are as low as they’ve been since LeBron arrived,” the ESPN insider said.
Luka Doncic’s Longtime Slovenian Teammate Predicts a Bigger Role With the Lakers
Luka Doncic spent the offseason working on his body, recovering from the Grade 2 left hamstring strain he suffered at the end of the 2025-26 season. Ahead of the new campaign, Doncic’s longtime Slovenian teammate Edo Muric believes Lakers fans will see him have a bigger role.
“Luka looks better and better when I see him every year now. He is now at that age where he is at a peak of his powers. … So I can’t wait for the next season to see him in even bigger role with Lakers. I just hope he stays healthy whole season. Because really, this could be his best season yet and I’m really looking forward to that,” he said.
Luka Dončić Slovenian national team teammate Edo Murić:
"Luka looks better and better when I see him every year now. He is now at that age where he is at a peak of his powers. He's not a kid anymore, now he's a man and he really looks good. I had a chance to feel that on my own…
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) September 13, 2026
After LeBron James left the Lakers this offseason, many expect Doncic to take over the team and become the franchise superstar.
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