Luka Doncic made headlines on October 27, 2023, by scoring 44 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 117-112 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. This performance marked his return from a three-game injury absence and added to an impressive start to the season. Doncic’s scoring prowess has drawn comparisons to NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain, as he has become only the second player in league history to open a season with three consecutive 40-point games.
Doncic first showcased his scoring ability with 43 points in the Lakers’ season opener against the Golden State Warriors on October 21, followed by a remarkable 49 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 24. His recent achievements place him in elite company, as Chamberlain is the only player to have recorded three consecutive 40-point games at the start of a season — a feat he accomplished twice in the 1961-62 and 1962-63 seasons.
The question now arises: Can Doncic maintain this scoring pace to average at least 40 points for the entire season? Currently, he sits at an impressive average of 45.3 points per game, shooting 58.4% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range, alongside 11.7 rebounds and 7.7 assists. When asked about the possibility of sustaining such a high average, Doncic responded cautiously, acknowledging the challenges he may face, particularly from opposing defenses that may double-team him more frequently.
Teammates, however, have expressed confidence in Doncic’s capabilities. Austin Reaves, a fellow Lakers player, commented that he believes Doncic could indeed average 40 points over the season, emphasizing that such a performance would significantly benefit the team. When Reaves’ remarks were shared with Doncic, he humorously dismissed the notion, calling Reaves “stupid,” highlighting their playful rapport.
Chamberlain remains the only player to have averaged at least 40 points in a season, a record he set over six decades ago. He also holds the distinction of being the only player to average at least 38 points per game, with a remarkable 38.4 points during the 1960-61 season. The only other player to come close is Michael Jordan, who averaged 37.1 points during the 1986-87 season.
Others in the league are also pushing the boundaries of scoring. Marcus Smart, a veteran guard for the Lakers, expressed his belief that Doncic could achieve a 40-point average this season, attributing this potential to the support he receives from his teammates. Smart noted, “He has a lot of help on the wings… He can do those things and help this team win.” Additionally, he acknowledged that other players, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers, are also averaging over 35 points, indicating a competitive landscape for scoring in the NBA.
As the Lakers prepare to face the Miami Heat on October 29, Doncic’s extraordinary start to the season remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike. With the potential to not only rewrite his own record books but also to stand alongside one of basketball’s greatest legends, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining just how far Doncic can push his scoring capabilities.
