History of Luka Dončić in Timeline

Luka Dončić is a highly decorated Slovenian professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Renowned for his exceptional skills and playmaking ability, Dončić has earned five NBA All-Star selections and five All-NBA First Team selections. He is also a key player for the Slovenian national team. Widely considered one of the greatest European players in basketball history, he has earned the moniker 'Luka Magic' due to his outstanding performances.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1959: Dončić Compared to Wilt Chamberlain

In 1959, Wilt Chamberlain had at least 30 points in each of the first eight games of a season, a feat Dončić matched in 2022.

1962: Dončić Compared to Wilt Chamberlain

In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain achieved a feat Dončić matched in 2022, scoring at least 30 points in each of the first seven games of a season.

1986: Dončić Compared to Michael Jordan

In 1986, Michael Jordan had at least 30 points in each of the first six games of a season, a feat Dončić matched in 2022.

1999: Dončić Compared to Tim Duncan

In 1999, Tim Duncan recorded a 30-point double-double in his first Finals game, a feat Dončić replicated in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals.

January 22, 2006: Kobe Bryant's 81-Point Game

On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant scored 81 points. This stood as the most points scored in a single game until Luka Dončić scored 73 points on January 26, 2024.

December 2009: Dirk Nowitzki Sets Mavericks Record

In December 2009, Dirk Nowitzki set a Mavericks franchise record for the most points in any half, which was surpassed by Luka Dončić on January 26, 2024.

2011: Mavericks won the 2011 NBA Finals

In 2011, the Mavericks won in the first round of the playoffs for the first time since winning the 2011 NBA Finals.

December 2014: Dončić Participates 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, showcasing impressive shooting percentages.

October 22, 2022: Dončić records 32 points in victory over Grizzlies

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

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

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

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 victory over 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's Performance Echoes Nikola Jokić's Achievement

In the 2023 NBA playoffs, Nikola Jokić led in total points, rebounds, and assists, which was emulated by Dončić in the 2024 playoffs.

January 25, 2024: Dončić Named All-Star Starter

On January 25, 2024, Luka Dončić was selected as 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 against Thunder

On May 15, 2024, in 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, leading to a 104–92 victory.

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

On December 7, 2024, Luka Dončić achieved a triple-double with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 125–118 victory over the Toronto Raptors. This performance allowed him to surpass both Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden for seventh place on the all-time career triple-double list.

2024: Dončić's 2024 NBA Finals Performance

In the 2024 NBA Finals, Luka Dončić led the postseason in total points (635), rebounds (208), and assists (178), even in the 106-88 loss in Game 5 to Boston. However, the Mavericks would lose the Finals to Boston in five games.

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 a significant and unexpected event in NBA history.

2029: 2029 First-Round Pick in Trade

On February 2, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers traded a 2029 first-round pick to the Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.