Luka Doncic is entering the 2026-27 season with major individual expectations as he takes full control of the Los Angeles Lakers following LeBron James’ departure.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon recently discussed Doncic on The Hoop Collective, with both selecting the Slovenian star as their pick to capture the NBA scoring title next season.
There is plenty of evidence supporting that prediction.
Doncic averaged a league-leading 33.5 points per game for Los Angeles last season, giving him his second scoring crown in three years.
He previously paced the NBA with 33.9 points per game during the 2024-25 campaign with Dallas.
With James no longer sharing the offensive workload, Doncic will operate as the clear centerpiece of the Lakers alongside Austin Reaves.
That could provide him with another opportunity to put up some of the biggest scoring numbers in the league.
The expectations could extend beyond the scoring race.
If Doncic produces another dominant statistical season while keeping Los Angeles near the top of the standings, he could also emerge as a serious MVP candidate.
The Lakers have not had a player win the award since Kobe Bryant claimed his lone MVP trophy in 2007-08.
