The arrival of Luka Doncic in Los Angeles felt like the start of a story that would either become a Hollywood masterpiece or fade into the long list of bold NBA experiments. When the Lakers completed the stunning trade for him in early 2025, the move created a powerful wave of excitement mixed with uncertainty. Mid season trades of this magnitude rarely happen, and when they do, they often reshape the league in ways no one expects. Now that twelve games of the 2025 to 26 season have been played, the impact has become impossible to ignore. Doncic has not only delivered on every expectation placed upon him, he has surpassed them with a level of brilliance that feels almost unreal.
In the opening stretch of the season, Doncic has achieved a feat no player in the long history of the league had ever completed. He is the first to reach more than four hundred points and more than one hundred assists within the first twelve games. This type of beginning is not a streak of hot shooting that happens by chance. It comes from a deep understanding of the game, a remarkable combination of talent and creativity, and a mastery of the court that very few players have possessed.
Through these early games, the twenty six year old star from Slovenia has been a force in every area of the box score. His average of 34.5 points per game puts him at the top of the scoring race. His 8.9 assists per contest place him among the most effective playmakers in the league, and his 8.8 rebounds show how completely he influences every possession. His totals of 414 points and 107 assists by this stage of the season only strengthen the view that he is performing at a level rarely seen.
What makes his presence so powerful for the Lakers is the way he has molded his style to fit their needs. His game blends strength, patience, and creativity in a way that lifts the entire roster. He uses his size to overpower defenders, his footwork to create space, and his court vision to deliver passes that open the floor for his teammates. His step back jumper remains one of his signature weapons, and he is recording a career best 61 percent on attempts inside the arc. His command of the pick and roll has allowed the Lakers offense to operate with a smooth and deadly rhythm. Even though his outside accuracy has slipped slightly, the efficiency he shows near the basket along with his steady free throw production keeps him among the most dangerous scorers in the league.
This extraordinary start has electrified Los Angeles. The combination of Doncic’s creativity and the leadership of LeBron James has given the Lakers a renewed belief that another championship run is within reach. Their connection on the court has already shown flashes of something special, something that could carry the team deep into the postseason.
Doncic’s opening chapter with the Lakers is not simply impressive. It is a clear declaration that he is shaping a new standard for early season excellence. Fans across the league are watching closely, eager to see how far he can take this remarkable journey.
