The Los Angeles Lakers’ 26-year-old phenom Luka Dončić had been preparing to lead a franchise hungry to claim its first NBA title since 2020, but recent developments have thrown a wrench into the Slovenian superstar’s plans.
Following the reported sciatica diagnosis of the Lakers’ 21-time All-Star LeBron James, Dončić will have to take on an even more demanding load for the first few weeks of the new campaign.
On the bright side, James’ absence may allow for the 5-time All-NBA First Team selection to make his best case yet for league MVP.
For Dončić to have a real shot at raising the MVP trophy come season’s end, his teammates will need to step up. Thankfully for the ex-Dallas Mavericks star, one of Los Angeles’ newest additions believes that he and the roster at large can put him in a great position to win the league’s most coveted regular season award.
“I mean, he’s talented enough,” Los Angeles’ summer free agent signing Jake LaRavia shared with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on Thursday.
“We have a good enough team to help him get whatever he needs, but as far as talent goes, he has all of it to be able to get MVP.”
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Dončić made a few valiant runs at the honor in previous seasons for the Mavericks, namely in 2023-24, when he averaged 33.9 points to win the scoring title along with 9.8 assists, 9.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals on 61.7% true shooting percentage.
As a Laker, he’ll need to rely on his teammates to reach those gaudy assist totals, and LaRavia is well-suited to do just that. The 23-year-old combo-forward and lethal outside shot-maker is coming off of a wildly efficient campaign in 2024-25.
While splitting time with the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings, LaRavia contributed 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds while knocking down a blistering 42.3% of his looks from three-point range.
If there’s anyone that Dončić can depend on from a catch-and-shoot perspective to rack up the assist figures necessary to lock down the award, LaRavia may be his best option.
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