Luka Dončić's strong start to the season has earned him an early MVP endorsement from Portland Trail Blazers head coach Micah Nori. Ahead of the Lakers and Trail Blazers matchup on Friday, Nori expressed admiration for the Lakers superstar's current form.
Dončić entered Friday's game averaging 38.5 points on 49.5% shooting from the field and 43.1% from three-point range, complemented by 8.1 rebounds, eight assists, and 1.8 steals per game. The Trail Blazers previously witnessed Dončić's prowess on Oct. 27, when he scored 41 points, along with nine assists and five rebounds, in the Lakers' season-opening loss to Portland.
Nori noted Dončić's physical condition, stating, “This is the best shape I’ve ever seen him in.” He elaborated on Dončić's improved conditioning, contrasting it with previous matchups where full-court pressure might have been more effective. "But I don’t see that," Nori added.
The Trail Blazers coach agreed with NBA.com's first MVP ladder ranking, which placed Dončić at the top. "He’s playing at an elite level," Nori said. "Watching him, it just looks to me like he is in elite shape. He’s playing with a great amount of confidence. He’s got shooters around him, and he has a rolling big. So for him, it’s a perfect offensive storm. And he’s the MVP right now."