Kendrick Perkins isn’t one to shy away from bold takes, and his latest prediction has the NBA world buzzing. During a recent segment on NBA Today, the outspoken analyst placed his full support behind Luka Dončić, calling his shot early: Luka will win MVP next season.
But unlike many hot takes in the sports world, Perkins made it clear that this isn’t just talk. This is conviction rooted in what he sees as a unique moment of challenge, transformation, and potential greatness for the Slovenian superstar.
“Look, this has accountability and disrespect all over it,” Perkins declared. “And Luka took it into the offseason. This is the type of commitment I wanna see from a great player. I’m betting on Luka Dončić to win MVP next season.”
That statement came with weight—because Luka’s story has dramatically shifted.
After being traded from the Dallas Mavericks in a stunning midseason deal, Dončić now finds himself wearing purple and gold, suiting up for one of the most iconic franchises in sports history: the Los Angeles Lakers. With that move comes an entirely new level of expectation, pressure, and media scrutiny. In Dallas, Luka was the unquestioned focal point. In L.A., he’s stepping into a spotlight that few can handle—and fewer still can thrive in.
Yet for Perkins, this is exactly the kind of scenario that brings out the best in great players. He’s seen it before—when the doubters line up, when the stakes rise, when the narrative turns against a star—and he believes Luka has all the tools to respond with an MVP-level campaign.
“Adversity either breaks you or makes you,” Perkins added. “And from what I’ve seen in Luka, this moment is going to elevate him. He’s taken the criticism personally. He’s working. He’s focused. He’s coming back with something to prove.”
The criticism Perkins refers to has been building over the past few seasons. Luka has been accused of being out of shape, lacking leadership, and not delivering deep playoff runs. While his talent has never been in question—he’s averaged near triple-double numbers and dazzled fans with his vision, footwork, and scoring touch—the team success hasn’t always followed.
Now, with a fresh start in L.A., new teammates like Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton, and the potential to take the reins of the Lakers from LeBron James himself, Luka has a clean slate—and a massive opportunity.
The MVP race will be stacked as always, with names like Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander all expected to contend. But what separates Luka, according to Perkins, is the fire that’s been lit under him.
“This isn’t just about stats. It’s about attitude. It’s about rising when it’s tough,” Perkins said. “And Luka’s got that edge right now.”
Whether Perkins turns out to be prophetic remains to be seen. But if Luka Dončić channels the noise, criticism, and expectation into fuel—as Perkins believes he will—the rest of the league better be on high alert.
The MVP crown might be headed to Hollywood.