Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Luka Dončić

Discover the career path of Luka Dončić, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Luka Dončić is a Slovenian professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Revered as one of the greatest European players ever, he is nicknamed "Luka Magic." Since entering the NBA as a rookie, he has consistently achieved recognition, earning six NBA All-Star selections and five All-NBA First Team honors. Dončić also proudly represents the Slovenian national team in international competitions.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1959: Dončić Joins Chamberlain in Scoring Record

In 2022, Luka Dončić became the only other NBA player to score 30 or more points in the first eight games of a season beside Wilt Chamberlain, who did it in the first eight of the 1959–60 season.

1962: Dončić Matches Chamberlain's Scoring Record

On November 2, 2022, Dončić scored 33 points against the Utah Jazz, becoming the first player since Wilt Chamberlain in the 1962–63 season to score at least 30 points in each of the first seven games of a season.

1980: Dončić first to average certain stats since 1980

On February 27, 2022, Luka Dončić became the first player in NBA history to average 30 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists per game while shooting at least 40 percent from three-point range in a calendar month in the three-point era since 1980.

1983: Dončić becomes fourth player since 1983-84 to record successive 35-point triple doubles

In November 2019, Luka Dončić became the fourth player since the 1983-84 NBA season, joining Michael Jordan, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook, to record successive 35-point triple-doubles.

1986: Dončić Joins Jordan in Scoring Streak

In 2022, Dončić became the sixth player in NBA history to score at least 30 points in each of the first six games of a season, the first since Michael Jordan in the 1986-87 season.

1999: Dončić Records 30-Point Double-Double in First Finals Game

In Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals, Luka Dončić scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. He became the first player since Tim Duncan in 1999 to record a 30-point double-double in his first Finals game.

January 22, 2006: Dončić Scores Career-High 73 Points

On January 26, 2024, Luka Dončić scored a career-high 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks. This was the most points scored in a single game by any player since Kobe Bryant scored 81 points on January 22, 2006.

2006: First triple-double in the ACB since 2006–07 season

On May 9, 2018, Dončić recorded 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in 22 minutes against Real Betis Energía Plus, for the first triple-double in the ACB since the 2006–07 season, seventh in league history.

2007: Dončić surpasses Tony Parker's EuroBasket record

In 2025, Luka Dončić became the youngest player at 26 years and 184 days old to reach 400 EuroBasket points, surpassing Tony Parker's feat in 2007 (25 years, 122 days).

December 2009: Dončić Sets Mavericks Record for Most Points in a Half

On January 26, 2024, Luka Dončić set a Mavericks franchise record for the most points in any half with 41 points in the first half, surpassing the previous record set by Dirk Nowitzki in December 2009.

2011: Mavericks Win 2011 NBA Finals

In 2011, the Dallas Mavericks won the NBA Finals. This marked the first time since that victory that the Mavericks advanced to the second round of the postseason after defeating the Utah Jazz in 2022.

September 2012: Signs with Real Madrid

In September 2012, at 13 years of age, Luka Dončić signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid and moved to Madrid, living with football and basketball prospects.

December 2014: Dončić participates in a friendly tournament in Hungary

In December 2014, Luka Dončić participated in a friendly tournament held in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. During the tournament, he averaged 35.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, while achieving a shooting accuracy of 81 percent on two-pointers and 57 percent on three-pointers.

2014: Liga ACB Season

During the 2014–15 ACB season, Luka Dončić played five games, averaging 1.6 points and 1.2 rebounds in 4.8 minutes per game.

2014: Plays with Real Madrid's Under-18 and Reserve Teams

During the 2014–15 season, Luka Dončić primarily played with Real Madrid's under-18 and reserve teams, where he averaged 13.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. By the season's end, he received all-league honorable mention accolades from Eurobasket.com.

April 30, 2015: Professional Debut for Real Madrid

On April 30, 2015, Luka Dončić made his professional debut for Real Madrid in the Liga ACB against Unicaja, becoming the youngest player to play for Real Madrid in the ACB at 16 years, two months, and two days of age.

October 8, 2015: NBA Preseason Game

On October 8, 2015, Luka Dončić played against the Boston Celtics in an NBA preseason game, collecting four rebounds, an assist, and a block.

2015: Joins Real Madrid Senior Team

In 2015, Luka Dončić joined the senior team of Real Madrid's youth academy, making his debut at age 16, becoming the youngest player in club history.

January 7, 2016: EuroLeague Game against CSKA Moscow

On January 7, 2016, Luka Dončić scored 12 points and grabbed five rebounds against CSKA Moscow in the EuroLeague. He made three consecutive three-pointers, recording nine points in two minutes.

September 22, 2016: Dončić commits to Slovenian national team

On September 22, 2016, Luka Dončić officially announced his decision to represent the senior men's Slovenian national team throughout his career, solidifying his commitment to his home country.

September 30, 2016: 2016-17 Season Debut

On September 30, 2016, Luka Dončić made his 2016–17 season debut against Unicaja, recording six points and four assists in 19 minutes.

October 3, 2016: NBA Preseason Win

On October 3, 2016, Luka Dončić collected three points, five rebounds, and four assists in an NBA preseason win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

December 8, 2016: EuroLeague Victory over Žalgiris Kaunas

On December 8, 2016, Luka Dončić scored a team-high 17 points in a EuroLeague victory over Žalgiris Kaunas.

2016: Senior Debut for Slovenia

In 2016, at the age of 17, Luka Dončić made his senior debut for the Slovenian national team.

January 14, 2017: EuroLeague Game Against Maccabi Tel Aviv

On January 14, 2017, Luka Dončić posted 10 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists to help beat Maccabi Tel Aviv, earning MVP of the Round honor.

October 1, 2017: Season Debut

On October 1, 2017, Luka Dončić recorded eight points, six rebounds, and four assists in a 94–88 victory over MoraBanc Andorra.

2017: EuroBasket Title with Slovenia

In 2017, Luka Dončić helped Slovenia win its first EuroBasket title and was named to the All-Tournament Team.

2017: Slovenia wins EuroBasket

In 2017, Luka Dončić was a member of the Slovenian squad at EuroBasket 2017, where his country secured its first gold medal by achieving an undefeated record of 9–0 throughout the tournament.

2017: Dončić signs deal with Nike

In 2017, while playing at Real Madrid, Luka Dončić signed a two-year deal with Nike.

February 9, 2018: Loses against Olympiacos

On February 9, 2018, Luka Dončić led his team with 27 points in a losing effort to Olympiacos, 80–79.

March 30, 2018: Game-Winning Shot against Crvena zvezda Belgrade

On March 30, 2018, Luka Dončić scored 24 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and made a game-winning three-pointer to beat Crvena zvezda Belgrade, 82–79.

June 21, 2018: Dončić drafted by Atlanta Hawks and traded to Dallas Mavericks

On June 21, 2018, Luka Dončić was selected as the third overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2018 NBA draft and was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Trae Young and a future first-round pick in 2019. Mavericks' coach Rick Carlisle expressed excitement, noting Dončić's exceptional talent.

June 29, 2018: Leaves Real Madrid

On June 29, 2018, Luka Dončić officially parted ways with Real Madrid, marking the end of his tenure with the club.

July 9, 2018: Dončić signs rookie contract with Mavericks

On July 9, 2018, Luka Dončić officially signed his rookie contract with the Dallas Mavericks. He did not participate in the 2018 NBA Summer League due to a late buyout from Real Madrid.

October 17, 2018: Dončić's NBA Regular-Season Debut

On October 17, 2018, Luka Dončić made his NBA regular-season debut for the Dallas Mavericks, recording 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in a 121–100 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

December 2018: Dončić named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for December

In December 2018, Luka Dončić was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month, marking his second consecutive Rookie of the Month award. On December 28, 2018, Dončić scored 34 points and became the youngest NBA player to make seven three-pointers in a game.

2018: Dončić widely seen as top NBA prospect

Entering the 2018 NBA draft, Luka Dončić was widely regarded as one of the best and most accomplished European prospects of his generation.

2018: Drafted to the NBA

In 2018, Luka Dončić declared for the NBA draft, where he was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks and then traded to the Dallas Mavericks.

2018: EuroLeague Title and MVP Awards

In 2018, Luka Dončić led Real Madrid to the EuroLeague title, winning both the EuroLeague MVP and Final Four MVP awards. He was also named the ACB Most Valuable Player and won back-to-back EuroLeague Rising Star and ACB Best Young Player awards.

January 2019: Dončić Named Western Conference Rookie of the Month

In January 2019, Luka Dončić was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month. During the season he recorded eight triple-doubles and became the fifth player in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in his rookie year, joining Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tyreke Evans.

October 25, 2019: Dončić records first triple-double of the season

On October 25, 2019, Luka Dončić recorded his first triple-double of the season, scoring 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 123–116 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

December 8, 2019: Dončić Surpasses Consecutive Games Record

On December 8, 2019, Luka Dončić surpassed Michael Jordan's record for the most consecutive games with at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976. Dončić achieved this feat after 18 straight games.

December 2019: Dončić signs endorsement deal with Air Jordan

In December 2019, Luka Dončić signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Air Jordan, which included the development of his signature shoe, the Jordan Luka 1.

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2019: Dončić Selected to First NBA All-Star Game

During the 2019–20 season, Luka Dončić was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game as a Western Conference starter, becoming the youngest European player to start in an All-Star game.

2019: Rising Stars Challenge Selection

In 2019, Luka Dončić was selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge as part of the World Team representing Slovenia. Despite fan voting, he was not selected for the Western Conference All-Stars in the 2019 NBA All-Star Game.

2019: Future First-Round Pick

In 2019, a protected future first-round pick was part of the trade agreement that sent Luka Dončić from the Atlanta Hawks to the Dallas Mavericks on June 21, 2018.

January 4, 2020: Dončić Records Tenth Triple-Double of the Season

On January 4, 2020, Luka Dončić recorded his tenth triple-double of the season, posting 39 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 123-120 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

July 31, 2020: Dončić records 15th triple-double of the season

On July 31, 2020, Luka Dončić recorded his 15th triple-double of the season, posting 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 153–149 overtime loss to the Houston Rockets.

2020: Dončić leads Slovenia to Olympic berth

During the 2020 FIBA Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Kaunas, Lithuania, Luka Dončić led Slovenia to its first-ever Olympic berth.

February 6, 2021: Dončić matches career-high 42 points

On February 6, 2021, Luka Dončić matched his then-career-high of 42 points while also recording 11 assists and 7 rebounds in a 134-132 win over the Golden State Warriors.

July 26, 2021: Dončić scores 48 points in Olympic debut

On July 26, 2021, Luka Dončić made his Olympic debut and scored 48 points in a 118–100 victory over Argentina.

August 10, 2021: Dončić signs largest NBA rookie extension

On August 10, 2021, Luka Dončić signed a five-year $207 million rookie extension with the Dallas Mavericks, making it the largest in NBA history.

October 22, 2022: Dončić Scores 32 Points Against Grizzlies

On October 22, 2022, Luka Dončić scored 32 points, with seven rebounds and 10 assists, in a 137–96 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. He became the fourth player since the merger to record 7,000 career points in less than 270 games.

October 25, 2023: Dončić Achieves Triple-Double in Season Opener

On October 25, 2023, Luka Dončić recorded a triple-double with 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 126–119 win against the San Antonio Spurs. He became the first player in Mavericks history to achieve a 30-point triple-double in a season-opening game.

2023: Dončić joins the 200-point club

During the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Luka Dončić became one of only 11 players to score 200 points in a single World Cup campaign.

2023: Dončić inks deal with Jordan to continue signature line

In 2023 Luka Dončić inked a 6-year deal with Jordan, solidifying the continuation of his Jordan Luka line.

2023: NBA Scoring Leader

In the 2023–24 season, Luka Dončić led the NBA in scoring, becoming the first European to achieve this feat and leading the Mavericks to their third NBA Finals appearance.

2023: Dončić Follows Jokić in Leading Playoffs in Points, Rebounds and Assists

In the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Luka Dončić finished as the leader in total points (635), rebounds (208) and assists (178), becoming the second player in NBA history to finish as the playoff leader in all three of those categories since Nikola Jokić did so in the 2023 NBA playoffs.

May 15, 2024: Dončić Delivers Playoff Triple-Double in Game 5

On May 15, 2024, during Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Luka Dončić recorded his sixth career playoff triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, contributing to a 104–92 victory.

December 7, 2024: Dončić Surpasses Chamberlain and Harden on Triple-Double List

On December 7, 2024, Luka Dončić recorded a triple-double with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 125–118 win over the Toronto Raptors, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden for seventh on the all-time career triple-double list.

2024: Dončić leads Slovenia in Olympic qualifying rounds

In 2024, Luka Dončić led Slovenia in the qualifying rounds for the Paris Olympic Games.

2024: Dončić Leads Playoffs in Points, Rebounds and Assists

2024: Traded to Los Angeles Lakers

In the middle of the 2024–25 season, Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a controversial blockbuster trade.

February 2, 2025: Dončić Traded to the Lakers

On February 2, 2025, Luka Dončić, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Max Christie, Anthony Davis, and a 2029 first-round pick. This trade was considered one of the most significant in NBA history, uniting Dončić with his idol, LeBron James.

August 2, 2025: Dončić agrees to contract extension with the Lakers

On August 2, 2025, Luka Dončić and the Lakers reached an agreement on a three-year contract extension worth $165 million.

2025: Dončić captains Slovenia at EuroBasket

In 2025, Luka Dončić captained Slovenia at EuroBasket, marking a significant milestone in his international career.

January 20, 2026: Dončić records his 87th career triple-double

On January 20, 2026, Luka Dončić achieved his 87th career triple-double, scoring 38 points, securing 13 rebounds, and providing 10 assists in a 115–107 victory over the Denver Nuggets.