Luka Doncic has opened the 2026–27 NBA season by scoring 308 points through his first eight games with the Los Angeles Lakers, outpacing the 303 points Michael Jordan scored through his first eight games of the 1988–89 season, according to records highlighted by Marca. Mundo Deportivo reported that the Slovenian guard averages 38,5 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game while shooting 49,5% from the field and 43% in three-pointers with a high volume of 13,6 attempts. Only Wilt Chamberlain, who reached 418 points through eight games in the 1962–63 season, has posted a higher total at this stage of a campaign. Doncic also holds a career scoring average of 29.3 points, placing him behind only Michael Jordan at 30.12 and Wilt Chamberlain at 30.07. The reigning scoring champion averages 15.0 points in the opening period this season, with at least 13 points in all but one of his seven games.
Following a 42-point performance in a 138–117 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday, Giannis Antetokounmpo praised Doncic’s place in basketball history. Mundo Deportivo noted that when Antetokounmpo was asked about Doncic, he replied that the guard is one of the best scorers this sport has ever seen. Of all time.
I think some are afraid to say it, but he has to be up there.
The Associated Press reported that Antetokounmpo contributed 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists for Miami in that matchup, while Austin Reaves added 27 points and Walker Kessler posted 15 points and 15 rebounds for Los Angeles. Klay Thompson added 19 points and Bam Adebayo contributed 16 for the Heat. Pat Riley received a large ovation from Lakers fans when he appeared on the videoboard.
Doncic followed that performance with 40 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in a 103–116 victory against the Sacramento Kings, as detailed by Marca. That output extended a streak of six consecutive games with at least 35 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 three-pointers, surpassing Damian Lillard’s 2020 mark for the longest such streak in NBA history. Zach LaVine told reporters after the game that Doncic ranks among the most talented players of all time and deserves more recognition for his scoring ability. During the game against Sacramento, Doncic helped ensure that a courtside fan was ejected after the spectator threw the ball hard at a referee, recounting: He just threw the ball really hard at the ref. I just asked him what the hell he was doing.
Giannis Antetokounmpo on Lakers’ Luka Doncic: “When you have a guy like Luka, obviously he's one of the best scorers to ever play this game, if not the best.” Reporter: “Right now?” Giannis: “Not right now. Not right now. Like, of all time. I feel like some people are scared to… pic.twitter.com/tNBACAEW7o”
Alongside his offensive output, Sports Illustrated reported that Doncic has increased his defensive activity this season, registering 15 defensive rebounds, five steals, three drawn charges, and a block during a 45-point win against the Toronto Raptors, in which Los Angeles held a +27 differential with him on the floor. JJ Redick noted the team’s reliance on Doncic’s ability to collapse opposing defenses, while Los Angeles holds a 7–2 record in the Western Conference standings. Doncic reached his 100th appearance with the Lakers during this early stretch and remarked to reporters, as reported by Marca, on the honor of being mentioned alongside Kobe Bryant due to his competitive approach, stating: It’s a huge honor. I think we all know who Kobe Bryant was and what he meant to everyone, especially in the basketball world. He was an idol for many people, so it means a lot to be mentioned alongside his name.
Sports Illustrated noted that challenges remain for the guard, who must maintain his defensive effort, stop arguing with referees, and contend with MVP challengers such as Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Lakers continue their Western Conference schedule with an upcoming matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, who sit at 6–1 atop the standings, scheduled for early morning at 04:00 Spanish time.
Luka Dončić is the first player since Michael Jordan in 1988 to score 300+ points through his first eight games of the season. Dončić has scored 308 total points while shooting 49.5% from the field and 43.1% from three-point range. pic.twitter.com/ntscoe6kJr
