Luka Doncic in Kobe Bryant, Shaq, Michael Jordan territory at the opening
At the opening of the NBA, the phenomenon of the Lakers Luka Dončić smothered all worry on a potential groin injury against the Golden State Warriors. Although the Lakers lost 119-109, there was no stopping Luke.
total, Doncic arrived with 43 points as well as 12 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and a steal. As a result, he etched his name among some of the greatest players ever to open a season.
For example, Doncic became the first Laker by Elgin Baylor (1959) and Kobe Bryant (2007) to score 40+ points in a season opener, according to the NBA. Additionally, Dončić joined the likes of Shaquille O’Neal became the second Laker to have at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a season opener, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
O’Neal did it in 2000 against the Portland Trail Blazers. Then Doncic managed to equalize Michael Jordan with 40 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in the season opener, according to Real Sports. Jordan achieved this feat in 1989.
So while the Lakers were short, Doncic was not. This year will be Doncic’s first full season in Los Angeles.
Over the summer, he signed a $165 million contract extension. In addition, it is not far from a dominating performance during the EuroBasket tournamentrepresenting his homeland Slovenia.
Luka Doncic becomes the next big star of the Lakers
As any basketball fan knows, the Lakers have produced some of the best of the best. Names that come to mind are George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James.
Not to mention others who donned the purple and gold with pure excellence. Doncic is on his way to enter that class and this season would be his starting ramp.
From the time he joined the Lakers after blockbuster trade involving the Maverickshe was on his way. His game complimented that of LeBron James in terms of dynamism and explosiveness. In addition, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 28 games in Los Angeles.
Plus, he helped the Lakers reach the playoffs. So now is his time to shine and potentially start a streak of sustained excellence in the City of Angels.
2025-10-22 14:36:00
