When the Los Angeles Lakers acquired superstar guard Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks, they hoped they’d found their next franchise cornerstone to replace the 40-year-old LeBron James, who is in the twilight of his career.
Of course, the initial plan is to play the two together and see if you can build a legitimate contender around them.
The Lakers had a busy offseason, acquiring center and former No. 1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton, sharpshooter Jake LaRavia, and former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart.
With LeBron James nursing a sciatica injury, we will have to wait to find out how the Lakers’ retooled squad will fare overall.
However, in the meantime, Dončić is living up to the billing.
Luka Dončić off to Hot Start
The Lakers opened the season with a 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. Despite the loss, Dončić was excellent. He scored 43 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out nine assists.
The Lakers bounced back on Friday night, exacting some revenge on the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 128-110 win. The Timberwolves eliminated the Lakers in the first round of the postseason in five games last year. In the win, Dončić had 49 points, pulled down 11 boards, and had eight dimes, meaning he’s now averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists while shooting a blistering 62.0% from the field.
“It was embarrassing,” Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo told reporters when asked how they defended Dončić and the Lakers. “I think everybody here knows it.”
His teammates, on the other hand, were quick to praise Dončić’s performance.
“He, of course, dominates the whole game so easily,” Lakers forward Rui Hachimura said. “And it’s not some random team we played against. They’re a Western Conference finals team. So this is crazy.”
What Records Did Luka Dončić Break Through His First Two Games?
Dončić’s start has already helped him set a couple of records.
Dončić now has the most games in the history of the NBA with 45+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ made 3-pointers. His 92 points through two games are also the most for a guard in the first two games of an NBA season.
Luka Doncic now has the most games in NBA history with:
45+ PTS
10+ REB
5+ 3PM pic.twitter.com/afYHg1kEIX— Real Sports (@realapp) October 25, 2025
Luka Doncic has the most points by a guard through the first 2 games of a season EVER. pic.twitter.com/EeeEPphD9H
— Real Sports (@realapp) October 25, 2025
To say Dončić’s start to the season is impressive would be an understatement.
“Just like the same way I see it when I’m on the other side — shocked,” Ayton told reporters about witnessing Dončić’s performance. “Like, ‘Oh my god, I can’t believe he’s doing this. When is he going to miss?’ You know, things like that.
Ayton was upset about one thing following Friday night’s game.
“I wanted him to get 50 tonight, though.”
Dončić will look to continue that hot start when the Lakers travel to Sacramento to take on the Kings Sunday night. Tip is set for 9:00 p.m. ET.