Luka Doncic Emerges as NBA MVP Frontrunner According to Magic Johnson
As the 2025 NBA season approaches its two-month milestone, the race for Most Valuable Player is already taking shape despite only a quarter of the games being played. NBA legend Magic Johnson has made his voice heard, declaring that there’s already a clear frontrunner emerging from the pack. Following an impressive Los Angeles Lakers victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Johnson took to social media to shower praise on Luka Doncic, who has been putting up extraordinary numbers while leading his team to an impressive 17-6 start.
The Slovenian superstar has been nothing short of phenomenal this season, averaging 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game while shooting an efficient 47.8% from the field. These numbers become even more impressive when considering the consistent triple-double threat he poses every night. In the recent victory over Philadelphia, Doncic reminded everyone of his elite status by posting 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists after returning from a brief absence to witness the birth of his second child. This performance exemplified why Magic Johnson and many other basketball minds consider him the MVP frontrunner over other contenders like Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
What makes the Lakers particularly compelling this season is the dynamic partnership between Doncic and LeBron James, who continues to defy Father Time in remarkable fashion. In the victory over Philadelphia, James erupted for a season-high 29 points, including a critical stretch where he scored 10 consecutive points in the fourth quarter to help secure the win. Magic Johnson, who maintains strong emotional ties to the Lakers franchise where he spent his entire Hall of Fame career, was effusive in his praise: “LeBron James was nothing short of spectacular… The Lakers are the most entertaining team in the NBA right now. Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves put on a show for the world to see, and they had the crowd going crazy with ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs.'”
The Lakers’ success this season can be attributed to more than just their star power. While Doncic and James rightfully garner most of the attention, role players like Austin Reaves have stepped up to provide crucial support. This balanced attack has transformed the Lakers into one of the league’s most entertaining and formidable teams. Magic Johnson’s endorsement carries significant weight given his status as one of basketball’s greatest ambassadors and his continued involvement with the game. His perspective as a former MVP and champion adds credibility to his assessment of Doncic’s exceptional start to the season.
The storylines developing around the Lakers extend beyond just individual accolades. As they prepare to host the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, they’re positioned as contenders across multiple fronts. Meanwhile, other franchises like the Charlotte Hornets and Houston Rockets are reportedly exploring significant roster changes ahead of the trade deadline, with the Hornets potentially moving on from a $75 million star and the Rockets contemplating a blockbuster trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. These moves across the league could significantly shift the competitive landscape as teams position themselves either for playoff pushes or future rebuilds.
As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see if Doncic can maintain this torrid pace and cement his MVP case. While there’s still three-quarters of the season remaining and plenty can change, his early-season dominance has set a high bar for competitors to reach. The Lakers’ continued success will be closely tied to the performances of both Doncic and James, with their partnership representing one of the most intriguing superstar pairings in recent NBA history. For now, Magic Johnson’s declaration stands as a strong endorsement from one of basketball’s most respected voices, giving Doncic the early edge in what promises to be a compelling MVP race throughout the 2025 campaign.
