Image Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic Makes History as First NBA Player to Reach This Rare Opening Season Milestone

Image Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic has written his name into Los Angeles Lakers history with a record-setting start to the 2025-26 NBA season. At just 26 years old, the guard became the first player in franchise history to open a campaign with two straight games of 40 or more points.

Doncic’s milestone came in consecutive outings against the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves. He scored 43 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists in the opener on October 21, though the Lakers fell 119-109 to Golden State. Four days later, he followed with 49 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists in a 128-110 victory over Minnesota.

The combined 92 points not only set a franchise benchmark for the first two games but also placed him in rare company alongside legends such as Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain, who also produced remarkable season starts.

Luka Doncic has the MOST POINTS in the first two games in LAKERS FRANCHISE HISTORY 😱

WE ARE WITNESSING GREATNESS 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Sm7VXgdoxX
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) October 25, 2025

Luka Doncic Delivers Amid Challenging Circumstances

The achievement carries added weight given the circumstances. The Lakers are without LeBron James, sidelined by injury, and are adjusting to a new system under head coach JJ Redick. In that context, Luka Doncic has stepped forward as the clear leader, shooting 62 percent from the field across the two contests.

Luka Doncic’s arrival in Los Angeles was not without controversy. The February 2025 trade that sent Anthony Davis and draft picks to Dallas sparked debate across the league. Yet, his immediate impact has silenced doubts. Beyond the franchise record, he is the first player in league history to begin a season with two games of at least 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.

With the Lakers sitting at 1-1, the challenge now is sustaining this pace. If Luka Doncic continues at this level, he could emerge as an early MVP favorite while guiding the Lakers through a demanding schedule. His start has already reshaped expectations, proving his ability to adapt quickly and establish himself as the centerpiece of a new era in Los Angeles.