Luka Doncic has not yet finished his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his year-to-date production has already placed him in rare territory within the franchiseâs history.
The 26-year-old guard is averaging 33.6 points per game, the highest mark in the NBA this season. That figure also carries historical weight for the Lakers.
According to Legion Hoops, Doncic’s scoring average is the highest by a Lakers player since Kobe Bryantâs 2005â06 season, when Bryant led the league at 35.4 points per game. No Lakers player in the two decades since has finished a season at or above Doncic’s current pace.
Doncic has reached that average through a steady run of high-output performances rather than brief scoring bursts. His 36-point showing in Sundayâs 120â114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies marked his 19th game this season with at least 30 points. Only a small number of players league-wide have reached that total so far, and historically, Lakers guards have rarely maintained that level of scoring across a full season.
Scoring has been the most visible part of Doncic’s year, but it has not been his only contribution. He is regularly involved in initiating offense, handling late-clock possessions, and finishing plays himself. His assist and rebound totals reflect that expanded role, placing him among the team leaders in both categories.
Looking at Luka Doncic’s Place Amongst the Los Angeles Lakers Greats
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 28: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
When viewed alongside other notable Lakers scoring campaigns, Doncic’s season compares favorably in terms of overall balance. Bryantâs 2005â06 year remains the franchise benchmark for modern-era scoring volume, but that season leaned heavily on shot creation. Other top scoring seasons, including LeBron Jamesâ highest-scoring year with the Lakers, did not reach Doncic’s current scoring average, even with similar usage.
Historically, averaging 30 or more points over a season has been uncommon for Lakers players regardless of era. Wilt Chamberlain did so during the late 1960s, and Jerry West crossed the threshold twice earlier in the franchiseâs history. In the decades since, Bryant was the lone Laker to consistently operate in that range. Doncic’s current average places him alongside that small group, based purely on output.
As the season continues, Doncic remains among the league leaders in total points and minutes played, reflecting both availability and consistency. His scoring pace has held steady across home and road games and against both winning and losing teams.
While the final totals will not be known until the season concludes, Doncic’s current scoring average already situates this year among the most productive individual seasons the Lakers have recorded since Bryantâs prime.
Even without historical context, the numbers alone place his first full season in Los Angeles in uncommon territory for the franchise.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Luka Doncic Is Doing Something No Laker Has Since Kobe Bryant appeared first on Heavy Sports.