Lakers Notes: Doncic's Historic Start and Team Updates
Luka Doncic's Record-Breaking Performance
Luka Doncic became just the second player in NBA history to score over 40 points in his first three games of a season. Returning to action on Friday, the Lakers' star guard reached a milestone only Wilt Chamberlain had previously achieved.
Doncic scored 44 points in a victory over Memphis, marking him as the only player apart from Chamberlain to begin a season with three consecutive 40-point games. This came after missing three games due to a sprained finger on his left hand and a contusion on his lower left leg.
“I mean, I feel great,” Doncic said when told about joining Chamberlain in this category, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “But obviously, if we get a win, I feel even better. So that’s the whole point, trying to help the team to win. And sometimes it’s going to be scoring, sometimes other things.”
Scoring Averages and Expectations
By averaging 45.3 points over the three games, Doncic became the first Lakers player since Kobe Bryant in 2007 to average 45 or more points in any three-game stretch. However, he does not expect to maintain this impressive scoring pace all season.
“That’s going to be tough,” Doncic admitted. “Sometimes they’re going to double me more. Sometimes I won’t be able to score that much. I had, I think, three or four shots that were crazy shots that I felt like doing, but they were terrible shots. I don’t know.”
Lakers Team Perspective
The Lakers are reportedly finding it easier to move on without LeBron James, believing they can win and be a stronger team without him.
Summary
Luka Doncic's blazing start sets a historic tone for the Lakers, showcasing his elite scoring while the team adapts to new dynamics without LeBron.