Overview
- On Wednesday, Draymond Green said on his podcast that Dončić "will never win MVP" if he does not secure the award this season and called 2026–27 the last realistic chance for him.
- Also on Wednesday, Dončić took out a full-page Los Angeles Times ad pledging “No excuses. No nights off.” and promising to lead the Lakers’ run for a championship.
- Dončić remains a top statistical candidate who has finished near the top of past MVP ballots but has never won the award, and sportsbooks list him among the league favorites for 2026–27 MVP.
- The Lakers have retooled around Dončić after LeBron James’ departure, adding Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton and others, but Kessler’s health and the team’s early lineup cohesion are open questions.
- How voters and the record respond will matter for both Dončić’s MVP case and his future with the franchise since he is under contract through 2028–29 with a player option after 2027–28.