Lakers’ Luka Doncic Has MVP Case Crushed by Prominent Analyst

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 19: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring a three-pointer against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center on March 19, 2026 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Over the last few weeks, the Los Angeles Lakers have played their best basketball. A large reason for that has been the play of Luka Doncic, especially on the offensive end of the floor. Over the last 15 games, the team has the third-best offense in the NBA.

Doncic has played the best basketball he has since being traded to Los Angeles. He is doing this despite having some personal problems that he is dealing with that have become public. With his play, the Lakers have ascended to third in the Western Conference standings.

With how well Doncic has been playing on the offensive end, some fans believe he is an MVP candidate. One prominent media member doesn’t think he deserves a chance to win the award because of his poor defense.

Michael Wilbon Slams Luka Doncic’s MVP Case

While on an episode of Pardon the Interruption, Michael Wilbon said he would rather vote for someone like Jaylen Brown than Doncic, citing Brown’s ability to play both offense and defense.

“I have a vote in this. And I will tell you it’s tightened up. My vote, and I’m not even sure the order. I think it’s Jaylen Brown one, I think it’s SGA two, and I think it’s Victor three. And then don’t talk to me about a guy who plays half the court, Luka Doncic.”

Voting for Brown makes sense, as he has led the Celtics to the second seed in the Eastern Conference without Jayson Tatum on the roster for most of the year. Doncic’s poor defense has been the weak point in his game for his entire career, but it has been much better this year.

Doncic isn’t the best perimeter defender in the world, especially when he’s arguing with the officials. Still, he has put forth more effort in recent weeks on that end of the court. Still, it is a big reason why he isn’t the frontrunner to win the MVP award.

The Lakers Need Luka Doncic to Continue This Level of Play

Doncic has been the best player on the floor in every game he’s played in the last few weeks. If the Lakers are going to have a shot to win a title, they need that to continue. He is someone who can get a shot on almost any possession he wants. He also creates for others at an elite level.

So far, Doncic is having his best season since the year he took the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. In a series, teams will have to deal with him being the best player on the floor. There will only be a few matchups in which he is not the best offensive player.

Defensively, the Lakers have the ninth-best defense over the last 15 games. They have greatly improved on that end of the court, even if Doncic still struggles to keep players in front of him. He will likely finish in the top five in MVP voting when the season ends, even if he doesn’t win the award.

Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA and College Football for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano