NBA legend Tim Hardaway believes Luka Doncic is in prime position to capture the league’s Most Valuable Player award this season.
In an interview with Action Network, Hardaway named Doncic as his MVP pick, saying the Los Angeles Lakers star “should have won it probably about two years ago.”
Hardaway emphasized that team success will play a role, adding that if the Lakers finish as a top-four seed in the Western Conference, Doncic’s case will be difficult to deny.
The Hall of Famer also noted that while Doncic has made strides with his conditioning, defensive challenges will remain part of the conversation. “You’re still 6’8, you’re still kinda slow. You still move at your own pace,” Hardaway said.
Doncic enters the 2025–26 season coming off his first campaign in Los Angeles after a blockbuster February trade from Dallas. The deal sent Anthony Davis to the Mavericks in exchange for Doncic, marking one of the most stunning moves in league history.
The Slovenian guard quickly settled into his new role, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists across 28 regular-season games with the Lakers. He also became just the fourth player in franchise history to post at least 30 points and 15 assists in a single game, joining LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Jerry West.
In the 2025 playoffs, Doncic averaged 30.2 points in a first-round series against Minnesota despite playing through a lower back injury. The Lakers were eliminated in five games, but his performances reinforced his standing as one of the league’s top offensive weapons.
Over his career, Doncic has compiled averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 450 games. He has already earned five All-Star selections and four All-NBA First Team nods.
The Lakers are expected to build around Doncic following his three-year, $165 million extension signed in August. With LeBron James entering his 23rd season, the franchise is positioning Doncic as the centerpiece of its future.
