Luka Doncic is one of the players to watch this season.
In addition to being one of the league’s elite talents, his transformation throughout the summer makes him particularly appealing.
After losing in the first round of the playoffs last season, Luka Doncic underwent a physical transformation.
He looked leaner and healthier this summer, and showed improved defensive ability during the EuroBasket tournament, suggesting his game has been reinvented.
Doncic leads the Los Angeles Lakers, while LeBron James recovers from an injury and will miss the start of the season, increasing attention.
With this in mind, NBA sportscaster Zena Keita believes Doncic will need to maintain his typical elite performance in order to make the Lakers a competitive team while proving himself with the Dallas Mavericks.
“We see how his body is hurting for this season, and we see how seriously he seems to be working this year, perhaps to prove to himself, but especially to his former team, that he is capable of leading the team to the championship,” Keita explained.
“He’s just going to build on what he did last year. If you look at the stats, 38 percent shooting from deep, 60 percent true shooting. I know Luka can do it, but it’s 10 assists, it’s rebounding, he does it all. He was top three in every major box statistic.”
Keita emphasized that maintaining elite all-around production is Doncic’s path to even gaining recognition as an individual.
“That’s exactly what Luka has to do for the Lakers to be relevant. And we know he can do it. We’re not going to be shocked if he does this and he has the tools around him now to help himself. So, yeah, I think he’s the MVP,” she added.
Keita’s MVP prediction seems bold, but it’s logical given Doncic’s established production pattern.
Despite the trade drama and transition issues last season, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game.
If Doncic exceeds those numbers, the Lakers would benefit significantly, but it would negate Dallas’ apparent belief that Doncic can’t lead the franchise to championship contention long-term.
His physical changes and improved focus on defense suggest he is ready to elevate his game beyond his previous All-NBA level.