Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has boldly predicted that Luka Doncic will seize the NBA MVP award in the 2025-26 season. Speaking ahead of opening week, Redick expressed unwavering belief in the Slovenian superstar’s mentality and winning drive.

“He’s motivated by winning,” Redick told reporters. “If we win at a high level, he’ll be in that conversation for MVP.”

Redick’s comments mirror growing league sentiment. In a recent NBA general managers’ poll, Doncic finished second behind Nikola Jokic in projected MVP voting.

Despite an injury-limited debut season with the Lakers, in which he played just 28 games, Doncic still posted stellar numbers—28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per contest. For a player adapting to a new team and system, those figures underscored his generational talent and all-around influence.

A Chance at Redemption

Doncic’s transition to Los Angeles came after a headline-making trade that sent Anthony Davis and key role players to Dallas. But injuries derailed his early months with the Lakers, delaying chemistry-building with his new teammates. Now fully healthy, the 26-year-old guard seems determined to reestablish himself among the league’s elite.

Redick’s trust in Doncic stems not only from their on-court communication but also from what he sees behind the scenes—a singular focus on leadership and competitiveness.

After finishing top-eight in MVP voting for five straight seasons, including a third-place finish in 2024, Doncic’s trajectory suggests that a complete, healthy campaign could finally give him the edge needed to secure the award.

The Lakers’ Challenge

Still, team dynamics may shape Doncic’s MVP case as much as his own brilliance. Los Angeles’ roster construction remains imperfect, with uncertain perimeter spacing and defensive depth.

Although new additions like Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia offer fresh options, the Lakers will need a top-five conference finish to bolster Doncic’s candidacy.

For Redick and the franchise, this season represents a strategic reset: a test of whether Doncic’s transcendent skills can overcome systemic limitations. If he stays healthy and raises the Lakers’ ceiling, Redick’s prediction may prove prophetic, crowning the superstar with his long-awaited MVP title.