Kendrick Perkins Picks Luka Doncic for 2025-26 MVP After Dramatic Weight Loss: 'We Looking at Skinny Luka!'
Luka Doncic
's dramatic offseason body transformation has become one of the NBA's most talked-about stories—drawing praise, skepticism, and bold forecasts. Chief among them is former
NBA champion Kendrick Perkins
, who's confidently predicting that Doncic will capture the 2025-26 MVP Award.
The narrative goes far beyond aesthetics—it's a deeper testament to work ethic, motivation, and the shifting trajectory of a superstar's career.
Luka Doncic Silences Critics with Complete Physical Overhaul
Now donning a
Los Angeles Lakers
jersey after a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic has reshaped his image—literally. He faced widespread scrutiny during the 2024-25 season for inconsistent conditioning. But this summer, photos of a significantly leaner Doncic made headlines, particularly after his Men's Health cover reveal.
Sources confirm he committed to a strict diet and cardio-intensive routine, even stepping away from basketball drills for a month to focus solely on fitness.
The result: increased stamina, improved mobility, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Kendrick Perkins didn't hold back his admiration. Speaking on ESPN, he said, 'We ain't looking at the chubby, fat Luka…We looking at skinny Luka. I saw his jawline…He is my early pick for MVP.'
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Perkins sees more than physical change—he sees a player stepping up to franchise expectations with real accountability.
Why Kendrick Perkins Believes This Is Doncic's MVP Year
Kendrick Perkins' prediction is rooted in a common narrative arc seen in NBA history—stars rising through adversity. He likened
Luka Doncic
's journey to those of greats like Michael Jordan,
Giannis Antetokounmpo
, and Nikola Jokic—players who all underwent physical and mental evolutions before reaching their peak. Doncic, already a five-time top-five MVP vote-getter, averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists last season—even while battling late-game fatigue and defensive inconsistencies.
Kendrick Perkins argues that with better conditioning and a deeper Lakers roster around him, Luka Doncic can now perform at a sustained, dominant level without the lapses that previously weakened his MVP case.
Experts Remain Divided on Whether Fitness Equals MVP Form
Not all experts are sold on the idea that a leaner Luka automatically equals an MVP season. ESPN's David Dennis Jr. was particularly blunt: 'We're discussing a player who should be aiming for MVP status, yet we're applauding him for being in shape?…Being in shape doesn't prevent you from losing focus on back screens or being left isolated during the playoffs.'
Stephen A. Smith echoed similar sentiments, warning fans and analysts alike to wait and see if Doncic's improved fitness leads to defensive consistency and postseason durability. For some, the challenge lies not in Luka's physical readiness, but his leadership, mental focus, and ability to close out high-pressure games.
How Doncic Is Reshaping the Lakers and Embracing Leadership
Luka Doncic's arrival in Los Angeles comes with massive expectations, especially after Dallas parted ways with him due to ongoing concerns about his conditioning.
Early signs suggest he's embracing a leadership role, helping to bring in key names like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, and fully buying into the Lakers' system.
NBA insider Tim Bontemps believes Doncic's MVP chances hinge on team success: 'If the Lakers are in the 50-plus win range, and Luka is playing like he did two years ago, before he had the injuries and everything last year, Luka's going to have a shot [at the MVP award].'
MVP or Not, the 2025-26 Season Is Doncic's Defining Moment
Luka Doncic's transformation goes well beyond surface-level buzz. It represents a turning point—one where he appears fully engaged, motivated, and willing to make the sacrifices necessary to lead a franchise. Whether it culminates in the MVP trophy, as Kendrick Perkins boldly suggests, depends on whether 'Skinny Luka' can deliver more than just an improved physique—he'll need wins, leadership, and postseason excellence.
Also read:
NBA Trade Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Weigh Risky but Ambitious Move for $52.6 Million Los Angeles Lakers Legend to form Big 3 with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving
Regardless of how it unfolds, Luka Doncic's next season promises to be his most compelling yet.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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