Image Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic Torches Bucks With 41 As Lakers Star Equals Magic Johnson’s Historic Record

Image Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic is only three games into his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers, but he is already rewriting the franchise’s record books. On Saturday, Doncic scored 41 points in a dominant 119-95 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, marking his fourth 40-point game in just a handful of outings.

With the performance, Luka Doncic tied Magic Johnson for 10th-most 40-point games in Lakers history. The milestone came just weeks into his tenure with the team, showing the immediate impact he has made. The game also marked Doncic’s 50th career 40-point outing, placing him 13th all-time for most such performances before turning 30, just one behind Kevin Durant.

Against Milwaukee, Luka Doncic shot 9-of-19 from the field, connected on five three-pointers, and went 18-of-20 from the foul line. He added nine rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and one steal, delivering a complete performance on both ends of the court. His scoring pace has already surpassed the Dallas Mavericks’ win total this season, a statistic that highlights the impact of his departure from his former team.

Luka Doncic is the fastest player this century to reach 50 career 40-point games. pic.twitter.com/hTR3pBWPGD
— Real Sports (@realapp) November 16, 2025

Austin Reaves contributed 25 points, while Deandre Ayton added 20 points and 10 rebounds for Los Angeles. Jaxson Hayes chipped in with 10 points off the bench. The Lakers led by 31 points at halftime and secured their second consecutive win.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. AJ Green scored 15 points, Gary Trent Jr. added 13, and Ryan Rollins finished with 10. The Bucks struggled offensively, shooting just 24.4% in the first half and 19% from three-point range, managing only 34 points before intermission, their lowest total in a half this season.

Lakers Dominate First Half As Bucks Collapse Offensively

Los Angeles set the tone early, taking a 30-18 lead after the first quarter. Luka Doncic had 12 points and five assists in the opening period. The Lakers’ energy overwhelmed Milwaukee in the second quarter, with the Bucks failing to record a field goal for the final eight minutes of the half. Dalton Knecht’s three-pointer extended the lead to 52-31, and the margin ballooned to 65-34 at halftime.

Milwaukee attempted a comeback in the third quarter with a 20-5 run, fueled by Green’s three triples, cutting the deficit to 70-54. However, Doncic responded by scoring the Lakers’ final nine points of the period, including back-to-back threes, restoring control and pushing the lead to 92-72.

The Lakers played without Rui Hachimura (calf) and Marcus Smart (illness), while LeBron James remains sidelined with sciatica. Despite the absences, Doncic’s brilliance ensured Los Angeles maintained momentum, continuing his record-breaking start to life in purple and gold.