NBA news: Luka Doncic’s record-breaking start fuels LA Lakers’ dominant run
Luka Doncic has launched his Los Angeles Lakers career in extraordinary fashion, crafting one of the most impressive starts in NBA history.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo reflects on Doncic’s impact at the start of what looks to be an exciting season for the Slovenian.
A historic opening stretch
Through just five games, the Slovenian sensation has rewritten the record books, averaging numbers rarely seen in professional basketball.
He has recorded 200 points, 55 rebounds, 46 assists, 10 steals, and three blocks, becoming the first player in league history to average at least 40 points, five rebounds, and five assists to open a season.
The Lakers’ 118-116 victory over the San Antonio Spurs showcased yet another chapter in Doncic’s growing legend. He finished with 35 points, 13 assists, nine rebounds, five steals, and two blocks.
It was a stat line no Laker had ever achieved in a regular-season game, making it clear that his arrival in Los Angeles has brought both spectacle and substance.
READ MORE: NBA’s Latest Innovations Will Boost the Global Profile of the Sport
Carrying the load without LeBron James and Austin Reaves
The Lakers entered Wednesday’s matchup shorthanded, with LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent all sidelined.
Doncic took command early, posting 22 points, six rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks before halftime.
He became the first player in the play-by-play era to reach those marks in a game’s opening half.
Despite the team falling behind by double digits late in the third quarter, Doncic led a furious rally, controlling the pace and producing clutch plays on both ends.
His crucial steal with under four minutes remaining helped seal the narrow two-point victory.
After the win, Doncic said he was prouder of his defensive effort than his scoring output, highlighting a growing focus on leadership and accountability.
“I’m enjoying playing with these guys,” he said. “Even with injuries, this team has big potential. It’s been very enjoyable to play with them.”
Record-breaking numbers and rare company
Doncic’s dominance has not only propelled the Lakers to a 7-2 record but also placed him among historic company.
According to league statistics, he is now the first player ever to assist or score on more than 310 points in his team’s first five games.
Moreover, he owns seven of the 12 recorded streaks in NBA history where a player has averaged at least 40 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists across five games.
This run marks the first time he has posted such numbers to begin a season, and notably, his first time doing so in Lakers colours.
ALSO ON SNB: NFL picks: Week 10 winners to include Colts, Patriots and Rams
Cementing his place in Lakers lore
Wednesday’s performance against Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs was more than just another win.
It was a defining moment in Doncic’s early Lakers tenure. He became the first player in franchise history to post 35 or more points, at least 10 assists, and five steals in a single game.
Since steals were first tracked in 1973, no other Laker has achieved that feat.
The 26-year-old has already joined Wilt Chamberlain as one of only two players in NBA history to begin a season with three consecutive 40-point games.
His combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive pressure is giving the Lakers a much-needed spark in the absence of James, whose return date remains uncertain.
A team rising behind its new star
Doncic’s impact extends far beyond individual milestones. His performances have lifted the Lakers to second place in the Western Conference standings, just behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Lakers are currently unbeaten on the road and have built a five-game winning streak that underscores their growing confidence and chemistry.
Even as Doncic earns every cent of his three-year, $165-million-dollar extension, his focus remains on team success rather than personal accolades.
The Lakers’ next test comes on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks, who may be without their star guard Trae Young.
For now, Doncic’s brilliance continues to redefine what a strong start looks like in the NBA, leaving fans and analysts wondering just how high this Lakers team can climb with him steering the way.
MORE BY NOAH NGCOBO: Could Lewis Hamilton have his first F1 World Title taken away?
