History of Luka Dončić in Timeline

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Luka Dončić

Luka Dončić is a Slovenian professional basketball player currently playing in the NBA. His achievements include multiple NBA All-Star selections and All-NBA First Team selections. He represents the Slovenian national team in international competitions. Widely considered one of the greatest European players ever, Dončić is nicknamed 'Luka Magic' due to his exceptional skill and performance on the court.

1959: Doncic matches Chamberlain's Record

In 1959, Wilt Chamberlin had scored 30 or more points in the first eight games of a season. Luka Dončić equaled this record in 2022.

1960: One of five players in NBA history

In the 1960-61 season, Oscar Robertson was one of the five players in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in his rookie year, a feat Luka Doncic would later achieve.

1962: Doncic matches Chamberlain's Record

In 1962, Wilt Chamberlin had scored at least 30 points in each of the first seven games of a season. Luka Dončić equaled this record in 2022.

December 1967: Most points in a two-game span against the same opponent

Following two games against the Los Angeles Clippers, Dončić had the most points in a two-game span against the same opponent since Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 for Philadelphia against Seattle in December 1967.

1976: Most consecutive games with at least 20 points

On December 8, 2019, Luka Dončić surpassed the record for the most consecutive games with at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, with Michael Jordan previously holding the record.

1980: First player in NBA history

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: Fourth player since 1983-84 season to have consecutive 35 point triple doubles

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

1984: One of five players in NBA history

In the 1984-85 season, Michael Jordan was one of the five players in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in his rookie year, a feat Luka Doncic would later achieve.

1986: Doncic matches Jordan's Record

In 1986, Michael Jordan had scored at least 30 points in each of the first six games of a season. Luka Dončić equaled this record in 2022.

1989: Most consecutive games with at least 20 points

On December 8, 2019, Luka Dončić surpassed the record for the most consecutive games with at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976. Michael Jordan previously held the record with 18 straight games in 1989.

1998: All-NBA First Team selection

On September 16, 2020, Luka Dončić was named to the All-NBA First Team, becoming the first player since Tim Duncan in the 1998–99 season to be selected to an All-NBA First Team in either their first or second season.

February 28, 1999: Luka Dončić's birth

On February 28, 1999, Luka Dončić was born in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Others born on this day/year

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, making him the first player since Tim Duncan in 1999 to record a 30-point double-double in his first Finals game.

2001: Youngest Western Conference Player of the Month Winner

In December 2019, Luka Dončić became the youngest Western Conference Player of the Month winner since the league began issuing the award by conferences in the 2001–02 NBA season.

2003: One of five players in NBA history

In the 2003-04 season, LeBron James was one of the five players in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in his rookie year, a feat Luka Doncic would later achieve.

January 22, 2006: Doncic scores franchise record 73 points

On January 26, 2024, Luka Dončić became the fourth player in league history to put up 72 or more points in a game and became the first player ever to score at least 70 points while shooting 75% or better from the field in a 148–143 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, finishing with a career-high 73 points. This marked 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 May 9, 2018, Luka recorded his first triple double in the ACB league since the 2006-07 season. He is only the seventh person in league history to achieve this milestone.

2008: Parents' Divorce

In 2008, Luka Dončić's parents, Mirjam Poterbin and Saša Dončić, divorced, with custody and legal guardianship granted to his mother.

December 2009: Doncic sets Mavericks record for most points in a half

On January 26, 2024, Luka Dončić scored a career-high 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks, including 41 points in the first half, setting a Mavericks franchise record for the most points in any half. The previous record was set by Dirk Nowitzki in December 2009.

2009: One of five players in NBA history

In the 2009-10 season, Tyreke Evans was one of the five players in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in his rookie year, a feat Luka Doncic would later achieve.

2010: Named to EuroLeague All-Decade Team

In 2010, Luka Dončić was named to the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team, recognizing his significant contributions to the league.

September 2011: Named MVP at Vasas Intesa Sanpaolo Cup

In September 2011, Luka Dončić was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the under-14 Vasas Intesa Sanpaolo Cup in Budapest, representing Olimpija, despite finishing as runners-up to FC Barcelona.

2011: Mavericks won 2011 NBA Finals

In 2011, the Dallas Mavericks achieved a significant milestone by winning the NBA Finals, marking their first first-round win since then.

February 2012: Loaned to Real Madrid for Minicopa Endesa

In February 2012, Luka Dončić was loaned to Real Madrid for the Minicopa Endesa, an under-14 Spanish club competition, where he won tournament MVP honors.

April 2012: MVP at Lido di Roma Tournament

In April 2012, Luka Dončić participated in the under-13 Lido di Roma Tournament for Olimpija, where he was named MVP and leading scorer with 34.5 points per game.

September 2012: Signed with Real Madrid

In September 2012, at 13 years of age, Luka Dončić signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid.

February 2013: Led Real Madrid to Minicopa Endesa Win

In February 2013, Luka Dončić led Real Madrid to a Minicopa Endesa win, averaging 24.5 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and six steals per game, earning MVP honors.

December 2014: Dončić Participated in Friendly Tournament

In December 2014, Luka Dončić participated in a friendly tournament in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, averaging 35.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 81 percent on two-pointers and 57 percent on three-pointers.

2014: Played in Liga ACB

In the 2014–15 ACB season, Luka Dončić played five games for Real Madrid.

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

In the 2014–15 season, Luka Dončić mainly played with Real Madrid's under-18 and reserve teams.

January 2015: Won Under-18 Ciutat de L'Hospitalet Tournament

In January 2015, Luka Dončić won the under-18 Ciutat de L'Hospitalet Tournament and was selected to the All-Tournament Team.

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 ever play for Real Madrid in the ACB at 16 years, two months, and two days of age.

May 2015: Won Under-18 Next Generation Tournament

In May 2015, Luka Dončić won the under-18 Next Generation Tournament and was selected as MVP.

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: Debut for Real Madrid's senior team

In 2015, at the age of 16, Luka Dončić debuted for Real Madrid's senior team, 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, making three consecutive three-pointers in two minutes after a Real Madrid time-out.

September 22, 2016: Announcement to Represent Slovenian National Team

On September 22, 2016, Luka Dončić announced that he would represent the senior men's Slovenian national team for the remainder of his career. He had been linked to other national teams before.

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.

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, Luka Dončić made his senior debut for Slovenia at the age of 17.

January 14, 2017: Earned EuroLeague MVP of the Round

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

October 1, 2017: Season Debut for Real Madrid

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

2017: EuroBasket title win with Slovenia

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

2017: Signs with Nike

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

February 9, 2018: Led Team with 27 Points

On February 9, 2018, Luka Dončić led his team with 27 points in a game against Olympiacos, which they lost 80-79.

March 30, 2018: Game-Winning Three-Pointer

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

April 2018: Sports Journalist Profile of Video Game Interests

In April 2018, sports journalist Mina Kimes profiled Luka Dončić and mentioned his love for playing video games franchises, like Call of Duty, FIFA, and Overwatch.

June 21, 2018: Dončić was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks and traded to the 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 then traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Trae Young and a future first-round pick. The Mavericks' head coach Rick Carlisle expressed his excitement about acquiring Dončić, considering him a franchise foundation piece.

June 29, 2018: Parted ways with Real Madrid

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

July 9, 2018: Dončić signed his rookie contract with the Mavericks

On July 9, 2018, Luka Dončić officially signed his rookie contract with the Dallas Mavericks, marking the beginning of his NBA career.

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

On October 17, 2018, Luka Dončić made his NBA regular-season debut, scoring 10 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out four assists in a 121–100 loss against the Phoenix Suns.

November 2018: Named NBA Rookie of the Month

In November 2018, Luka Dončić was recognized for his outstanding performance and named the NBA Rookie of the Month in the Western Conference, highlighting his impressive start to his NBA career.

December 2018: Named Western Conference Rookie of the Month

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

2018: EuroLeague Title with Real Madrid

In 2018, Luka Dončić led Real Madrid to the EuroLeague title and was named EuroLeague MVP and Final Four MVP.

2018: Drafted into the NBA

In 2018, Luka Dončić was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks and subsequently traded to the Dallas Mavericks.

January 2019: Named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for January

In January 2019, Luka Dončić was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for his performance, continuing his strong rookie season.

October 25, 2019: Triple-Double against the New Orleans Pelicans

On October 25, 2019, Luka Dončić recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 123–116 victory for the Mavericks against the New Orleans Pelicans.

November 2019: Nominated to EuroLeague 2010-20 All-Decade Team

In November 2019, Luka Dončić was nominated to the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team.

December 8, 2019: Surpassed record for consecutive games with at least 20 points

On December 8, 2019, Luka Dončić surpassed the record for the most consecutive games with at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, with Michael Jordan previously holding the record.

December 2019: Endorsement Deal with Air Jordan

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

Nike Men's Jordan Luka 1 Basketball Shoes, Black/Black-White, 10 M US
Nike Men's Jordan Luka 1 Basketball Shoes, Black/Black-White, 10 M US

2019: Selected to his first NBA All-Star Game

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

2019: Rising Stars Challenge Participant

In 2019, Luka Dončić was named a participant for the World Team representing Slovenia in the 2019 Rising Stars Challenge.

2019: Future first-round pick in 2019

In 2019, as part of the trade deal, the Dallas Mavericks also gave the Atlanta Hawks a protected future first-round pick.

January 4, 2020: 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.

March 2020: Selected for the EuroLeague 2010-20 All-Decade Team

In March 2020, Luka Dončić was selected for the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team.

July 31, 2020: Fifteenth 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.

February 6, 2021: Dončić matched his then-career-high 42 points

On February 6, 2021, Luka Dončić matched his then-career-high 42 points while putting up 11 assists and seven rebounds in a 134–132 win over the Golden State Warriors.

March 23, 2021: Named Honorary Member of Real Madrid Football Club

On March 23, 2021, the Real Madrid Football Club named Luka Dončić as an honorary member, which is the highest distinction award of the club.

July 14, 2021: Cover Athlete for NBA 2K22

On July 14, 2021, it was announced that Luka Dončić would be the cover athlete for NBA 2K22, the 23rd installment in the NBA 2K video game series.

July 26, 2021: Olympic Debut and High-Scoring Game

On July 26, 2021, in his Olympic debut, Luka Dončić scored 48 points in a 118–100 victory over Argentina. This performance tied for the second-highest men's point total in a single game in Summer Olympics history.

August 10, 2021: Signed a five-year rookie extension

On August 10, 2021, Luka Dončić signed a five-year, $207 million rookie extension, marking the largest such extension in NBA history.

October 22, 2022: Dončić Records 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 NBA merger to record 7,000 career points in under 270 games.

2022: Named as a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game

On February 3, 2022, Luka Dončić was named as a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.

January 3, 2023: Dončić Wins Western Conference Player of the Month Award

On January 3, 2023, Luka Dončić was awarded the Western Conference Player of the Month for his performance in December, marking the third time he has received this honor in his career.

March 2023: Grandmaster Tier in Overwatch

In March 2023, it was noted that Luka Dončić reached the "Grandmaster" tier in competitive play for the video game Overwatch. He later became a top 500 player in the tank role in Overwatch 2.

July 2023: Engagement to Anamaria Goltes

In July 2023, Luka Dončić got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Anamaria Goltes.

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

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

December 1, 2023: Birth of Daughter

On December 1, 2023, Luka Dončić and his fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, welcomed their daughter into the world.

2023: FIBA World Cup Performance and All-Tournament Team Selection

During the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Luka Dončić joined the exclusive 200-point club, becoming one of only 11 players to achieve this in a single World Cup campaign. He led all scorers and was named to the World Cup All-Tournament Team in 2023.

2023: Led NBA in Scoring

During the 2023–24 season, Luka Dončić led the NBA in scoring, making him the first European player to achieve this feat. That season, he led the Mavericks to their third NBA Finals appearance.

2023: 6 year Deal with Jordan

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

2023: Dončić and Jokic Lead Postseason in Points, Rebounds and Assists

In the 2024 NBA Finals, Luka Dončić became the second player in NBA history to finish as the playoff leader in total points, rebounds and assists since Nikola Jokić pulled off the feat in the 2023 NBA playoffs.

January 2024: Jason Kidd's comparison of Dončić to NBA Legends

In January 2024, Jason Kidd stated that Dončić is better than Dirk Nowitzki and is in the same atmosphere as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant, some of the best players in NBA history.

January 25, 2024: Dončić Named All-Star Starter for Fifth Consecutive Year

On January 25, 2024, Luka Dončić was named a Western Conference starter for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, marking his fifth consecutive selection and fourth as a starter.

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

On May 15, 2024, Luka Dončić recorded his sixth career playoff triple-double, scoring 31 points, securing 10 rebounds, and providing 11 assists in a 104–92 Game 5 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

December 7, 2024: Dončić Surpasses Chamberlain and Harden on All-Time 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. He also surpassed Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden for seventh on the all-time career triple-double list.

December 29, 2024: Burglary at Dallas Home

On December 29, 2024, Luka Dončić's house in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas was burglarized.

2024: Slovenia Fails to Qualify for Paris Olympics

In 2024, the Slovenian basketball team, including Luka Dončić, did not qualify for the Paris Olympic Games after losing to the Greek basketball team.

2024: Dončić Led the Postseason in Points, Rebounds, and Assists

In the 2024 NBA Finals, Luka Dončić finished the postseason as the leader in total points (635), rebounds (208) and assists (178).

2024: Traded to the Los Angeles Lakers

In the middle of the 2024–25 season, Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

February 2, 2025: Dončić Traded to Los Angeles 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. The trade was a significant and unexpected event in NBA history.

2029: Luka Dončić Traded to Lakers

On February 2, 2025, Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Part of the deal involved the Lakers trading a first-round pick in 2029 to the Mavericks.