Despite Scoring Title, Luka Dončić Finishes Fourth in MVP Voting
Even after an explosive scoring season, leading the NBA in scoring, Luka Dončić finished just fourth in MVP. Did they get it right?
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles on the court during an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Friday March 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif. In his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Dončić once again proved why he remains one of the league’s premier offensive talents. Despite leading the NBA in scoring at 33.
5 points per game and putting together one of the best statistical seasons in franchise history, the 27-year-old finished fourth in the 2025-26 NBA MVP voting. Lakers coach JJ Redick said he was "disappointed" Dončić wasn't among the top three finalists before they announced the winner, adding that his play wasn't as much as it should have been with the media. "I think he deserved to be there and I think all three guys that did end up being finalists had strong cases," Redick said.
"I guess we underperformed for a couple months despite him getting Player of the Month one of those months. The media momentum just never got built. " Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers lays the ball up during an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Friday March 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller - The Sporting Tribune Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers lays the ball up during an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Friday March 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif. Dončić played in 64 games this season, affecting NBA defenses in all types of ways as he averaged 9. 2 assists and 8.