Former Celtics Champ Makes Surprising Prediction for Lakers’ Luka Doncic

Former Boston Celtics champion Kendrick Perkins has boldly predicted that Luka Dončić will win the NBA MVP award next season. Dončić, a five-time All-NBA First Team guard, was traded midseason from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he helped LeBron James lead the team to a 50-32 record and the Western Conference's No. 3 seed. However, the Lakers suffered a first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, raising questions about Dončić's fitness and defensive capabilities—particularly after he had carried the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals just a year earlier.

Despite widespread skepticism, Perkins—a 2008 Celtics title winner—broke from his team loyalties during multiple appearances on ESPN's "NBA Today" to declare Dončić his MVP favorite. He stated, "I'm betting on Luka Dončić to win the MVP next season," emphasizing that while it was early for predictions, he felt strongly about Dončić's potential. Perkins later ranked his top five MVP candidates: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (5th), Nikola Jokić (4th), Anthony Edwards (3rd), Giannis Antetokounmpo (2nd), and Dončić at No. 1.

Perkins justified his choice by highlighting Dončić's offseason motivation, noting the guard felt "disrespected" after being traded by the Mavericks and facing criticism—including from Perkins himself—about his defense. Perkins believes this has fueled an "engaged, disrespected Luka" who is now "holding himself accountable," setting the stage for a transformative season.