Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association

NBA MVP Race Check-In and Fatal Flaws for West Contenders

Feb 23, 2026
Haize, a Chicago sports commentator with Bulls perspective, and Matt Moore, senior NBA writer known for deep Nuggets and league analysis, dive into the MVP race and whether Jaylen Brown belongs among elites. They debate value of team success and ballot criteria. Then they break down fatal flaws for Western contenders — Lakers’ toughness, Nuggets’ defense, OKC’s shooting — plus weekend winners and Pat Riley’s statue talk.
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ADVICE

Evaluate MVPs By Their Direct Role In Team Success

  • When evaluating MVP candidates, focus on the primary driver of team success (defense, offense, coaching) rather than raw counting stats.
  • Prioritize players who directly create wins through on-court impact, not supporting-system benefits.
INSIGHT

Wembanyama's Minutes Versus Dončić's Narrative Problem

  • Victor Wembanyama and Luka Dončić present different MVP complications: Wembanyama's limited minutes and missed time vs. Luka's team seed and narrative.
  • Eligibility and minutes can keep a high-impact rookie like Wembanyama off ballots despite great per-minute production.
INSIGHT

Lakers' Physicality And Roster Discord Risk

  • The Lakers' principal flaw entering playoffs is lack of physicality and mental toughness, which showed in being 'bullied' by Boston.
  • Their roster construction and reliance on Luka-style offense create defensive and chemistry concerns.
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