Luka Doncic experienced a challenging 2024-25 NBA season after starting as the frontrunner for the MVP award. Following his leading role in guiding the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals the previous year and earning five consecutive All-NBA First Team selections, Doncic faced setbacks that shifted the trajectory of his MVP campaign.
Early in the season, Doncic suffered several minor injuries, but the most significant was a calf strain sustained on Christmas Day during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although the Mavericks expected him to return in three to four weeks, the injury sidelined him for six to eight weeks. Amid these difficulties, Dallas made the surprising decision to trade Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, a move that stunned the NBA community and affected Doncic personally.
Doncic expressed emotional distress following the trade, especially during his first game back in Dallas, where he was seen crying on the bench. The transition proved difficult as he adjusted to a new team and city while still recovering from injuries that hampered his performance. This string of events derailed what many had anticipated to be a dominant MVP season for Doncic.
Kendrick Perkins Foresees a Strong MVP Return
Despite the adversity, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins remains confident in Doncic’s ability to rebound and reclaim the MVP title for the 2025-26 season. Perkins highlights the importance of resilience and accountability in great players, noting that overcoming challenges is part of the journey for many legendary athletes.
“I’m betting on Luka Doncic to win the MVP next season. This is the type of commitment that I want to see from a great player like Luka… And all the greats in the history of greats have went through some type of adversity, or went through some type of thing throughout their career where they had to have accountability for it, and we’re seeing that through Luka right now.”
—Kendrick Perkins, ESPN analyst
Reports suggest Luka has been dedicated to intense offseason training, aiming to return to the top physical form he exhibited at the start of the 2023-24 season. That season marked some of his best performances, but injuries toward the end led to defensive struggles during the playoffs and continued into the following year.
Context of Doncic’s 2024-25 Season and Trade Impact
Before the trade, Doncic was widely seen as the favorite to be the NBA’s next standout MVP after his stellar performances with Dallas, marked by his multiple All-NBA First Team honors and leadership in the Finals appearance. His sudden calf injury and extended recovery time limited his ability to maintain that level of play.
The trade to the Lakers was unexpected, as Doncic had planned to remain in Dallas and was preparing to sign a supermax contract extension. He had invested financially and personally in the city, including purchasing a new home. The midseason move forced him to adapt quickly to a new environment, teammates, and system.
Looking Ahead: What Doncic’s Potential MVP Win Could Mean
A successful comeback from injury and a strong 2025-26 season MVP win would mark a significant milestone in Doncic’s career, solidifying his status among the NBA’s elite. Such a turnaround could inspire both fans and players, showing how perseverance and accountability through adversity can lead to renewed success.
Moreover, his performance with the Lakers will be closely watched, as the team aims to leverage Doncic’s talent combined with key players like Anthony Davis for a competitive edge. If Doncic fulfills Perkins’s prediction, it might also influence the league’s power dynamics heading into future seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Luka Doncic a billionaire?
A. As of 2025, Luka Doncic is estimated to have a net worth of $75 million, based on Celebrity Net Worth figures.
Q. Are Luka Doncic and Bad Bunny friends?
A. DALLAS — A friendship spanning many years continues as the current Spotify Artist of the Year releases a new song mentioning Mavericks player Luka Dončić.
Q. Is Luka Doncic big?
A. Even though he’s not excellent at defense, his size (6’4″ and 230 pounds) makes it hard for others to easily overpower him.
Q. What car does Luka Doncic drive?
A. Luka Doncic, a well-known NBA player, owns many cars. His excitement while driving a rare Brabus Rocket 1000 sedan is truly heartwarming. He’s loved cars since childhood, which made this experience even more special for him.