UPDATE!! 🚨 An ESPN personality REFUSES to vote Luka Dončić All-NBA First Team after another dominant season. Fans are already exploding over the decision across social media. Some say it’s a bold, honest take, others call it pure disrespect to a superstar. So what is it really—elite analysis or one of the worst takes of the year?

Luka Dončić All-NBA Debate: Kendrick Perkins’ Controversial Take Sparks Lakers Backlash

The conversation around Luka Dončić and his place on the 2026 All-NBA First Team has taken center stage—and not without controversy. Despite carrying the Los Angeles Lakers through a challenging season, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has made it clear that Dončić will not receive his First Team vote.

That stance has ignited strong reactions from fans and analysts alike, especially considering Dončić’s elite production and impact this season.

Luka Dončić’s Dominant 2026 Season

There’s no denying that Luka Dončić has been one of the most outstanding players in the NBA this season. Averaging an incredible 32.9 points per game, Dončić currently leads the league in scoring—often delivering in high-pressure, late-game situations.

More importantly, his performances have directly translated into wins. The Lakers, who struggled with inconsistency earlier in the season, have surged into the third seed in the Western Conference largely because of Dončić’s heroics.

From a statistical and eye-test perspective, Luka checks nearly every box:

Elite scoring volume and efficiency
Playmaking and offensive control
Clutch-time dominance
Carrying a high-pressure market team

These are typically the credentials of a First Team All-NBA lock—yet Perkins sees things differently.

Kendrick Perkins’ First Team Picks Explained

During a recent ESPN segment, Kendrick Perkins revealed his five selections for the All-NBA First Team:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Nikola Jokić
Jaylen Brown
Cade Cunningham
Victor Wembanyama

Notably absent: Luka Dončić.

Perkins clarified that while he respects Luka’s scoring title, he values overall team impact and success more heavily. In his view, the five players listed above have had a greater influence on their respective franchises this season.

Does Perkins Have a Valid Argument?

At first glance, leaving out a scoring leader on a top-three seed seems questionable. However, Perkins’ reasoning isn’t entirely without merit.

MVP Locks: SGA and Jokić

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić are widely considered the top two MVP candidates. Their inclusion on the First Team is essentially guaranteed.

Cade Cunningham’s Breakout Leadership

Cade Cunningham has arguably been the biggest surprise of the season, leading his team to the top of the Eastern Conference. His impact goes beyond stats—he has transformed his franchise into a legitimate contender.

Jaylen Brown’s Role in Contention

Jaylen Brown has stepped up significantly, especially during stretches without Jayson Tatum. While his usage has fluctuated, his two-way contributions remain elite.

Victor Wembanyama’s Two-Way Dominance

Victor Wembanyama continues to redefine expectations with his defensive presence and offensive growth. Even with missed time, his overall impact on a top Western Conference team is undeniable.

The Case for Luka Dončić

Even with those strong arguments, it’s difficult to justify leaving Dončić off the First Team entirely.

Here’s why:

1. Offensive Engine of the Lakers

Dončić is the centerpiece of everything the Lakers do offensively. Unlike some players on Perkins’ list, Luka doesn’t benefit from a system—he is the system.

2. Clutch Performance

Few players in the league are as reliable in close games. His ability to deliver under pressure has directly translated into wins.

3. Individual Dominance

Leading the league in scoring while maintaining efficiency and playmaking responsibilities is an elite achievement—one that typically guarantees First Team honors.

The Reality: Limited Spots, Tough Choices

The biggest issue isn’t whether Dončić is deserving—it’s the structure of the All-NBA system.

Only five players can make the First Team. That inevitably leads to controversial omissions, especially in a season loaded with elite performances.

Players like Anthony Edwards also have strong cases, further complicating the selection process.

In that context, Perkins’ decision becomes less outrageous and more a reflection of how competitive the field truly is.

Will Luka Dončić Still Make First Team?

Despite Perkins’ stance, the broader consensus across media and voters still heavily favors Dončić.

He is widely projected to:

Finish in the top five of MVP voting
Secure an All-NBA First Team selection

While individual voters like Perkins can influence the outcome, they are only part of a much larger voting pool.

MVP Race Context Matters

The MVP race also plays a role in shaping All-NBA selections.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the current favorite, leading the league’s best team
Nikola Jokić remains a perennial contender
Luka Dončić is climbing in the rankings as the season closes

As narratives evolve, so too can voting patterns—especially if Luka continues his dominant stretch.

Final Thoughts: A Debate That Defines the Season

The debate over Luka Dončić and the All-NBA First Team is less about one player and more about how greatness is evaluated.

Is it:

Individual production?
Team success?
Overall impact?

Kendrick Perkins has made his criteria clear—and while fans may disagree, his argument reflects the complexity of modern NBA evaluation.

In the end, Dončić is still likely to earn his place among the league’s top five players this season. But regardless of the final outcome, one thing is certain:

Someone deserving will be left out—and that’s what makes this year’s All-NBA race one of the most competitive in recent memory.