Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers couldn’t overcome the Golden State Warriors to begin their 2025-2026 season.
While LA came up short, Luka’s personal performance was nothing short of spectacular. The veteran guard started off the season with a bang, doing something that only two Lakers have done in the franchise’s history.
via @StatMuse: Lakers with 40+ points in a season opener:
— Kobe Bryant
— Elgin Baylor
and Luka Doncic.
Lakers with 40+ points in a season opener:
— Kobe Bryant
— Elgin Baylor
and Luka Doncic. pic.twitter.com/bk7lazaNfe
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 22, 2025
On October 18, 1959, Eligin Baylor had a 52-point night. He remains the only Laker to score 50 for the franchise to begin a new season.
Kobe Bryant came up just five points shy of 50 against the Houston Rockets on October 30, 2007.
Luka Doncic dominated in shots taken for the Lakers on Tuesday. The veteran guard shot 17-27 from the field. The closest in attempts was Austin Reaves, who took 11 fewer shots from the field.
Doncic also tacked on seven free throws, shooting 70 percent from the field. He totaled 43 points on the night. It was a double-double outing, as he came down with 12 rebounds. The Laker nearly notched the triple-double, as he dished out nine assists.
Oct 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks to drive against Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (1) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images / William Liang-Imagn Images
Luka is one of four in NBA history to score 43 points during his opening game of the year. He is grouped in with Wilt Chamberlain, Walt Bellamy, and Jalen Rose.
Only a handful of active NBA players are ahead, such as Ja Morant, James Harden, Jaylen Brown, Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving.
Looking at it purely from a Lakers view, some of the names behind Doncic are Jerry West, James Worthy, Anthony Davis, Shaquille O’Neal, Nick Van Exel, and LeBron James.
via @OptaSTATS: Luka Dončić is the first player in NBA history to open a season with a 40-point double-double but lose by double digits.
Luka Dončić is the first player in NBA history to open a season with a 40-point double-double but lose by double digits. pic.twitter.com/B6MLTaH8NZ
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) October 22, 2025
The Lakers have a lot of work to do after getting off to a 119-109 loss against a Western Conference contender. However, they have to be feeling good about Luka’s first opener with the franchise. Last season, Doncic began the year as a member of the Dallas Mavericks.
The Lakers pulled off one of the most shocking trades in NBA history to acquire Doncic midway through the year. Luka appeared in just 28 games for the Lakers, averaging 28.2 points, 7.5 assists, and 8.1 rebounds. He shot 43 percent from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc.
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