Luka Doncic extended his scoring streak on Wednesday, recording 40 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 116-103 victory over the Sacramento Kings. The performance marked the Slovenian guard’s third game with at least 40 points, a run that has helped him become the NBA’s leading scorer this season, according to MARCA.
Doncic, who finished the night with six three-pointers and 12-of-13 shooting from the free-throw line, also contributed nine rebounds and seven assists. Across his first eight appearances of the season, Doncic has totaled 308 points, becoming the first player to surpass the 300-point threshold in that timeframe since Michael Jordan recorded 303 in the 1988-89 season, as reported by Clarin.com.
Historical scoring context
The only player to exceed Doncic’s current start in the first eight games of a season is Wilt Chamberlain, who accomplished the feat three times, peaking at 418 points during the 1962-63 campaign. Doncic is currently averaging 38.5 points per game. He has also achieved a streak of at least 35 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five three-pointers in six consecutive games, surpassing the previous record held by Damian Lillard since 2020.
Following the game, Doncic reflected on his recent statistical milestones and his 100th game with the Lakers. “It’s a great honor,” he said. “I think we all know who Kobe Bryant was and what he meant to everyone, especially in the world of basketball. He was an idol for many people, so it means a lot to be mentioned alongside his name.”
Mid-game disruption in Sacramento
The contest at the arena in Sacramento saw a brief interruption late in the third quarter after a ball went out of bounds. A spectator near the baseline threw the ball toward referee Chelisa Painter in an aggressive manner. According to reports, Doncic alerted officials to the incident, and security personnel subsequently removed the individual from the premises.
Darius Acuff Jr. leads Kings with twenty-two points
For the Kings, who fell to a 1-7 record and remain winless in three home games, rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. led the team with 22 points and 12 assists. Zach LaVine added 21 points, while Domantas Sabonis recorded a double-double with 16 points and 17 rebounds.
This victory followed a high-scoring performance on Monday, where the Lakers defeated the Miami Heat 138-117. In that game, Doncic recorded 42 points and 13 assists, building on a 45-point effort against the Toronto Raptors. ESPN noted that across his last five games, Doncic maintained an average of 43.4 points per contest, while teammate Austin Reaves contributed 27 points in the win over Miami. During that matchup, the current NBA scoring champion averaged 15.0 points in the opening period, having recorded at least 13 points in the first quarter in six of his seven games played. During the broadcast, Heat president Pat Riley was shown on the scoreboard and received an ovation from the crowd at the arena, which featured a statue of the team’s Showtime-era coach unveiled last season.
Luka Doncic STARS once again to help the Lakers grab the win over the Kings 🔥 40 points 9 rebounds 7 assists 11-of-23 FG 6-of-13 3PT 12-of-13 FT pic.twitter.com/J9jadthXqj
Doncic aims for MVP award after previous snubs
Doncic currently holds the fifth-highest single-game scoring record in NBA history, having reached 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks on January 26, 2024. Despite his prolific output, the player has considered the possibility of eclipsing such marks, noting that last season, Bam Adebayo—a player not typically defined as an elite scorer—managed 83 points in a game against the Washington Wizards. After failing to receive a single MVP vote last season, the 27-year-old Doncic is focused on securing the award for the 2026/27 campaign, feeling that the departure of LeBron James has cleared a path for him to establish a new narrative.
Upcoming schedule
The Lakers continue their season schedule as they look to maintain their position in the Western Conference standings. The team’s next scheduled appearance follows this road victory in California, as they prepare for their next opponent in the ongoing regular season rotation.
Earlier coverage: Luka Dončić Scores 40 Points as Lakers Beat Sacramento Kings for Third Straight Win
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