Magic Johnson Names Luka Doncic as MVP Frontrunner

As the 2025 NBA season approaches the two-month mark, discussions around the Most Valuable Player (MVP) race are intensifying. NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson has publicly identified Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks as the clear frontrunner for the MVP award. Johnson's assessment comes after witnessing the Los Angeles Lakers' recent victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, where Doncic delivered an impressive performance.

Newsweek

In a game that ended with a score of 112-108 in favor of the Lakers, Luka Doncic made a significant impact by achieving a triple-double with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists. This performance followed a brief absence due to the birth of his second child. Johnson praised Doncic's dominant campaign, noting his season averages of 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game, along with a shooting percentage of 47.8% from the field and 34.1% from three-point range.

Newsweek

Magic Johnson, a legendary figure in Lakers history, expressed admiration for the team's current dynamics, particularly highlighting the contributions of LeBron James, who scored a season-high 29 points in the same game. Johnson remarked on the excitement generated by the Lakers, stating, "The Lakers are the most entertaining team in the NBA right now." He emphasized the thrilling performances from Doncic, James, and Austin Reaves, which captivated the audience.

Newsweek

While Johnson's endorsement of Doncic as the MVP favorite is notable, there are other strong contenders in the race, including Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Critics may argue that the MVP race is still wide open, given that the season is only a quarter complete and player performances can fluctuate significantly over the remaining months.

Newsweek

Johnson's comments reflect a broader sentiment among basketball analysts who recognize Doncic's exceptional skills and contributions to his team. His performance has sparked conversations about the potential for Doncic to secure his first MVP award, a title that many believe he is well-deserving of based on his current form.

Newsweek

The Lakers are set to continue their campaign as they prepare to face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. As the season progresses, the MVP race will likely evolve, with players vying for recognition in a competitive landscape.

Newsweek

• “LeBron James was nothing short of spectacular, scoring [10 straight points] in the 4th quarter (including three straight 3-pointers) and finishing with 29 total points tonight to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 112-108! The NBA’s leading candidate for MVP, Luka Doncic, had a triple-double with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists!” — Magic Johnson, NBA Hall of Famer.

Newsweek