Not even a 52-point performance was enough to change Draymond Green’s mind. Luka Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 132-123 victory over the Utah Jazz, but the Golden State Warriors forward remains convinced that the Slovenian star won’t win the MVP award.
This isn’t the first time Green has expressed doubts about Doncic’s chances, and despite another outstanding performance, his position hasn’t changed.
On The Draymond Green Showthe four-time NBA champion acknowledged the determination Luka has shown to start the season, while reiterating his prediction.
Draymond Green: “Doncic’s greatness is taken for granted”
Green’s reasoning is less about the Slovenian star’s talent than how his performances are perceived by the people who vote for the award.
According to Draymond, Doncic has accustomed us to such extraordinary numbers that they risk no longer making headlines. By contrast, one bad night is enough to bring all the criticism back.
As soon as he has a few bad games or an injury makes him miss a couple, people will go back to saying, “Same old Luka.” I think people get bored with greatness. He’s been doing extraordinary things for a long time, and I think they’ll keep taking it for granted
Draymond Green
It’s a situation that Green believes could hurt the Lakers’ No. 77 in the race for the regular season’s most prestigious individual award.
Doncic has reached his ninth NBA season without winning an MVPand for the Warriors forward, that could be precisely the problem: after so many years at an elite level, impressing voters all over again becomes increasingly difficult.
For his sake, I hope he proves me wrong, but I’m sticking with my opinion. Voters get tired of seeing you be great all the time. Maybe he can win them back over, but I think they’ve already moved on
Draymond Green
Doncic and NBA MVP: the season has just begun
After an unconvincing performance against the Los Angeles Clippers, Luka responded in the best possible way, scoring 52 against Utah and reminding everyone why his name remains among those to watch in the MVP race.
Of course, it’s only the opening stretch of the season. Turning this start into a serious candidacy will require consistency, good health and, above all, strong results from the Lakers.
For now, Doncic has already shown he intends to be a major factor. Whether he can also change Draymond Green’s mind is something we’ll discover in the coming months.