Luka Doncic has etched his name alongside basketball royalty with a historic scoring barrage to open the 2026-27 NBA season. The Dallas Mavericks guard accumulated 308 points across his first eight games, a feat that places him in rarefied air.
Doncic’s explosive start marks the first time since Michael Jordan accomplished the milestone in the 1988-89 season that any player has surpassed 300 points in an eight-game span. The performance also represents the highest total for such an opening since Wilt Chamberlain’s record-setting years, underscoring just how dominant Doncic’s early-season display has been.
Lakers Capitalize on Doncic’s Form
The scoring prowess on display helped fuel a significant victory, as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings 116-103. The win extended the Lakers’ recent run, marking their seventh victory in their last nine games and demonstrating the broader impact of Doncic’s teammates thriving alongside his stellar offensive output.
Austin Reaves contributed to the Lakers’ successful stretch during this period, as the team continues to build momentum through the early portion of the 2026-27 campaign. The combination of individual brilliance and collective team performance has propelled Los Angeles back into contention.
Historic Company
Doncic’s achievement places him in conversation with two of basketball’s most legendary scorers. Jordan’s 1988-89 season remains iconic in NBA lore, while Chamberlain’s scoring records from decades past have rarely been approached in the modern era. The fact that Doncic now stands with both legends after just eight games demonstrates the elite nature of his current performance level.