Luka Dončić has etched his name into NBA history yet again, but not for the reason some have claimed. Contrary to recent posts suggesting he broke a Lakers franchise record, his remarkable scoring start to the 2025–26 season represents a league-wide achievement rather than a team-specific milestone.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard, who joined the team from the Dallas Mavericks during the 2024–25 season, began his first full campaign in Los Angeles with a historic scoring streak. Over the opening three games, Dončić poured in a total of 136 points, becoming only the second player in NBA history to begin a season with three consecutive 40-point performances. The only other player to do so was the legendary Wilt Chamberlain.
The record highlights Dončić’s ability to dominate from the opening tip of the season, showing both the precision and stamina that define his style of play. While his total ranks among the most impressive starts in Lakers history, the distinction of three straight 40-point games to open a season belongs to the entire league, not just the franchise.
Luka Dončić’s 2025–26 Game Log
| Date | Matchup | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 22, 2025 | vs. Golden State Warriors | 43 | 12 | 9 |
| October 25, 2025 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | 49 | 11 | 8 |
| November 1, 2025 | at Memphis Grizzlies | 44 | 12 | 6 |
Game Highlights and Streak Overview
October 22 vs. Golden State Warriors: Dončić opened the season with a masterful 43-point performance, adding 12 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the Lakers past their Western Conference rivals.
October 25 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Just three days later, he delivered an even stronger showing with 49 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. That effort brought his total to 92 points over the first two games, surpassing Jerry West’s long-standing Lakers record for the most points in a season’s first two contests.
November 1 at Memphis Grizzlies: After missing three games due to finger and leg soreness, Dončić returned to action and picked up right where he left off. He scored 44 points with 12 rebounds and 6 assists, securing his third consecutive 40-point outing and cementing his place in the record books.
Historical Context: Matching Wilt Chamberlain’s Feat
Luka Dončić now shares company with Wilt Chamberlain, one of the most dominant scorers the sport has ever known. Chamberlain accomplished the same feat twice during his career—five consecutive 40-point season openers in 1961–62 and seven straight in 1962–63. By equaling this milestone, Dončić becomes part of a remarkably small group capable of sustaining such elite scoring output from the start of the year.
The Trade That Changed Everything
Dončić’s arrival in Los Angeles remains one of the most significant trades in recent NBA history. The February 2025 deal sent Dončić, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, to the Lakers. In exchange, the Dallas Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future draft pick.
The move shocked the basketball world, instantly shifting the league’s balance of power. Despite the excitement surrounding the pairing of Dončić and LeBron James, the Lakers’ playoff run in 2025 ended early with a first-round exit. Still, the opening stretch of the 2025–26 season has reignited hope for a deeper postseason push.
Dončić’s Start Signals a New Era in Los Angeles
What stands out most about Dončić’s early-season performances is not just the scoring volume but the control and composure with which he achieved it. His ability to orchestrate the Lakers’ offense while maintaining elite efficiency makes him the cornerstone of the team’s new identity.
Fans and analysts alike see his current run as the beginning of something bigger. With LeBron James mentoring from both on and off the floor, Dončić’s leadership and consistency could define the next chapter of the Lakers’ legacy.
While some may mistakenly call his 136-point burst a franchise record, its true weight lies in its historical context. Dončić has done what only one other man—Wilt Chamberlain—has managed before: start a season with three straight games above 40 points. In a league that constantly evolves, such moments remind everyone that greatness is timeless.
