Luka Doncic Makes History in Triumphant Return to Lakers Lineup
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a victory in their NBA Cup opener on Friday night, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 117-112 on the road. The win was powered by the return of superstar Luka Doncic, who had missed the previous three games due to a left leg contusion and a sprained finger. His comeback performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he dominated the court with 44 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in 38 minutes of play, shooting an impressive 14-for-27 from the field. The victory improved the Lakers’ record to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in NBA Cup competition, giving the team momentum as they continue their early-season campaign.
Doncic’s performance wasn’t just remarkable—it was historic. According to Lakers beat reporter Mike Trudell, Doncic became only the second player in NBA history to begin a season with three consecutive 40-point games. The only other player to achieve this feat was the legendary Wilt Chamberlain, who did it twice: first in the 1961-62 season (opening with five straight 40-point games) and again in the 1962-63 season (starting with seven consecutive 40-point games). This places Doncic in the most elite company possible, highlighting not just his scoring prowess but his consistency at the highest level of basketball performance. While Austin Reaves has garnered much of the early-season attention for the Lakers, Doncic’s historic start serves as a reminder of his superstar status.
The historic achievement becomes even more fascinating when considering Doncic’s journey to Los Angeles. Now in his second season with the Lakers, Doncic arrived via one of the most controversial trades in recent NBA history. The Dallas Mavericks shocked the basketball world by trading Doncic mid-season before the trade deadline, less than a year after he had led the team to the NBA Finals. In exchange, the Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and draft compensation from the Lakers—a move that continues to puzzle basketball analysts and fans alike. The trade represented a seismic shift in the NBA landscape, as Doncic was widely considered a franchise cornerstone and one of the brightest young stars in the league.
While the Mavericks have moved forward with their own path, eventually landing Cooper Flagg with the number one overall pick (a selection they likely wouldn’t have secured without trading Doncic), the decision remains controversial. Doncic is clearly still in his prime and performing at an MVP level, showing no signs of slowing down. His seamless integration into the Lakers system demonstrates his adaptability and basketball IQ, traits that make him such a coveted player. Through his first three games with the Lakers this season, Doncic is playing the best basketball of his career—a frightening prospect for opponents who must now game plan against his multi-dimensional offensive arsenal.
What makes Doncic’s current run even more impressive is that the Lakers are maintaining a winning record despite the absence of LeBron James for several games. This speaks volumes about Doncic’s ability to carry a team and elevate the play of those around him. His scoring ability is just one aspect of his game; his court vision, rebounding, and leadership are equally valuable to the Lakers’ success. As the team continues to build chemistry throughout the season, the partnership between Doncic and the returning LeBron could make the Lakers serious contenders in the Western Conference, combining two of the most versatile and intelligent players in the league.
Looking ahead, Doncic’s historic start sets the stage for what could be a career-defining season. At just 25 years old, he has already cemented himself among the NBA’s elite and is now chasing records previously thought untouchable. His ability to score, rebound, and distribute at an elite level makes him one of the most complete players in the game today. For the Lakers, having a player of Doncic’s caliber in his prime years represents a foundation upon which championship aspirations can be built. If his first three games are any indication of what’s to come, Luka Doncic is poised to lead the Lakers on a memorable run while continuing to etch his name alongside the greatest players in NBA history.
