History of Luka Dončić in Timeline
Luka Dončić is a Slovenian professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Known as 'Luka Magic,' he's celebrated as one of the best European players ever. Dončić has consistently achieved recognition, earning five NBA All-Star selections and five All-NBA First Team selections since entering the league. He also represents the Slovenian national team in international competitions. His exceptional talent and numerous accolades solidify his status as a prominent figure in the world of basketball.
1959: Dončić equals Chamberlain's record.
In 1959, Wilt Chamberlain scored at least 30 points in each of the first eight games of the season. In 2022, Dončić would tie this record.
1960: Comparison to Oscar Robertson
In January 2019, Dončić was compared to Oscar Robertson (1960–61) as he became just the fifth player in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in his rookie year, joining Oscar Robertson (1960–61), Michael Jordan (1984–85), LeBron James (2003–04), and Tyreke Evans (2009–10).
1962: Dončić matches Chamberlain's record.
In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored at least 30 points in each of the first seven games of the season. In 2022, Dončić would tie this record.
December 1967: Performance against Clippers
On February 13, 2022, Dončić scored 23 of his 45 points in the fourth quarter against the Clippers. With 96 points in the two games, Dončić had the most in a two-game span against the same opponent since Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 for Philadelphia against Seattle in December 1967.
1976: ABA-NBA merger
On December 8, 2019, 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.
1980: Points and rebounds since 1980
On February 27, 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: 35-point triple-doubles since 1983
On November 20, 2019, Dončić became the youngest player to have 35-point triple-doubles in succession since 1983.
1984: Comparison to Michael Jordan
In January 2019, Dončić was compared to Michael Jordan (1984–85) as he became just the fifth player in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in his rookie year, joining Oscar Robertson (1960–61), Michael Jordan (1984–85), LeBron James (2003–04), and Tyreke Evans (2009–10).
1986: Dončić matches Jordan's record.
In 1986, Michael Jordan scored at least 30 points in each of the first six games of the season. In 2022, Dončić would tie this record.
1989: ABA-NBA merger record of 1989
On December 8, 2019, 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 since 1998
On September 16, 2020, 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 a first or second season.
February 28, 1999: Luka Dončić's Birth
On February 28, 1999, Luka Dončić was born in Ljubljana, Slovenia. He is now a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers.
2001: Youngest Player of the Month since 2001
On December 3, 2019, Dončić became the youngest Western Conference Player of the Month winner since the league began issuing the award by conferences in the 2001–02 season.
2003: Comparison to Lebron James
In January 2019, Dončić was compared to LeBron James (2003–04) as he became just the fifth player in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in his rookie year, joining Oscar Robertson (1960–61), Michael Jordan (1984–85), LeBron James (2003–04), and Tyreke Evans (2009–10).
January 22, 2006: Kobe Bryant scores 81 points
On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in a single game. This was the most points scored in a single game by any player until Luka Dončić scored 73 points on January 26, 2024.
2006: First ACB Triple-Double
Luka Doncic's triple double on May 9, 2018 was the first in the ACB since the 2006–07 season.
2008: Parents' Divorce
In 2008, Luka Dončić's parents, Mirjam Poterbin and Saša Dončić, filed for divorce, with custody and legal guardianship granted to his mother.
December 2009: Dirk Nowitzki's Mavericks franchise record.
In December 2009, Dirk Nowitzki set the Mavericks franchise record for the most points in any half, until Luka Dončić surpassed it on January 26, 2024 with 41 points in the first half.
2009: Comparison to Tyreke Evans
In January 2019, Dončić was compared to Tyreke Evans (2009–10) as he became just the fifth player in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in his rookie year, joining Oscar Robertson (1960–61), Michael Jordan (1984–85), LeBron James (2003–04), and Tyreke Evans (2009–10).
2010: Selected to the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team
In 2010, Luka Dončić was selected to the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team.
2010: EuroLeague All-Decade Team Selection
Luka Dončić was nominated in November 2019 and selected in March 2020 to the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team.
September 2011: MVP at Vasas Intesa Sanpaolo Cup
In September 2011, representing Olimpija at the under-14 Vasas Intesa Sanpaolo Cup in Budapest, Luka Dončić was named the most valuable player (MVP) despite finishing as runners-up to FC Barcelona.
2011: Mavericks win 2011 NBA Finals
In 2011, the Mavericks won the NBA Finals, marking their first first-round win since that victory.
February 2012: Loan to Real Madrid for Minicopa Endesa
In February 2012, Luka Dončić was loaned to Spanish club Real Madrid for the Minicopa Endesa, an under-14 Spanish club competition.
April 2012: MVP at Lido di Roma Tournament
In April 2012, Luka Dončić participated in the under-13 Lido di Roma Tournament for Olimpija, finishing as 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 and moved to Madrid.
February 2013: 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 and winning MVP honors.
December 2014: Dončić participates in friendly tournament in Hungary
In December 2014, Luka Dončić participated in a friendly tournament in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, where he averaged 35.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
2014: Liga ACB Season
During the 2014-15 ACB season, Luka Doncic played five games, averaging 1.6 points, and 1.2 rebounds in 4.8 minutes per game.
2014: Played with Real Madrid's under-18 and reserve teams
During the 2014–15 season, Luka Dončić mainly played with Real Madrid's under-18 and reserve teams, averaging 13.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists with the reserve team.
January 2015: Under-18 Ciutat de L'Hospitalet Tournament Win
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.
May 2015: Under-18 Next Generation Tournament Win
In May 2015, Luka Dončić won the under-18 Next Generation Tournament and was selected MVP.
October 8, 2015: NBA Preseason Game Against the Boston Celtics
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 with Real Madrid's senior team
In 2015, Luka Dončić made his debut for Real Madrid's senior team 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, making three consecutive three-pointers after a Real Madrid time-out.
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 over Oklahoma City Thunder
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 only 17 years of age.
January 14, 2017: EuroLeague MVP of the Round
On January 14, 2017, Luka Dončić earned MVP of the Round in the EuroLeague after posting 10 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists to help beat Maccabi Tel Aviv.
October 1, 2017: 2017-18 Season Debut
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 with Slovenia
In 2017, Luka Dončić helped Slovenia win its first EuroBasket title and was named to the All-Tournament Team.
2017: Dončić signs with Nike
In 2017, while playing for Real Madrid, Luka Dončić signed a two-year deal with Nike.
February 9, 2018: Led Team with 27 Points 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 Three-Pointer 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 and Traded
On June 21, 2018, Luka Dončić was selected as the third overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2018 NBA draft, then traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Trae Young and a future first-round pick.
June 29, 2018: Parted Ways with Real Madrid
On June 29, 2018, Luka Dončić officially parted ways with Real Madrid.
July 9, 2018: Dončić Signs Rookie Contract
On July 9, 2018, Luka Dončić officially signed his rookie contract with the Dallas Mavericks, marking a significant step in his NBA career.
October 17, 2018: NBA Regular-Season Debut
On October 17, 2018, Luka Dončić made his NBA regular-season debut, recording 10 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in a loss to the Phoenix Suns.
November 2018: NBA Rookie of the Month
In November 2018, Luka Dončić was named NBA Rookie of the Month in the Western Conference, recognizing his strong performance early in his debut NBA season.
December 2018: Western Conference Rookie of the Month
In December 2018, Luka Dončić was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month, marking his continued success and impact in the NBA.
2018: Drafted into 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, MVP, and ACB MVP
In 2018, Luka Dončić led Real Madrid to the EuroLeague title, winning both the EuroLeague MVP and the 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: Western Conference Rookie of the Month
In January 2019, Luka Dončić was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month, marking his continued success in the NBA.
October 25, 2019: First Triple-Double of the Season
On October 25, 2019, Luka Dončić recorded his first triple-double of the season with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
November 2019: Nominated to the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team
In November 2019, Luka Dončić was nominated to the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team.
December 8, 2019: Consecutive Games Record
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, previously held by Michael Jordan in 1989.
December 2019: Dončić signs with Air Jordan
In December 2019, Luka Dončić signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Air Jordan, which included his own signature shoe, the Jordan Luka 1.
December 2019: Gregg Popovich compares Dončić to Magic Johnson
In December 2019, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich likened Luka Dončić's playing style to that of Magic Johnson, noting his exceptional court vision.
2019: All-Star Game Selection
During the 2019–20 season, Luka Dončić was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game as a Western Conference starter.
2019: Rising Stars Challenge
In 2019, Luka Dončić was named a confirmed participant for the World Team representing Slovenia in the 2019 Rising Stars Challenge.
2019: Future First-Round Pick
In 2019, a protected future first-round pick was part of the trade agreement that sent Luka Dončić to the Dallas Mavericks. Before the 2018–19 season, ESPN considered Dončić the favorite to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
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 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
March 2020: Selected for the 2010–20 All-Decade Team
In March 2020, Luka Dončić was selected for the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team.
July 31, 2020: 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 loss to the Houston Rockets.
August 2020: Rick Carlisle compares Dončić to Larry Bird and Jason Kidd
In August 2020, head coach Rick Carlisle compared Luka Dončić's playmaking and court vision to those of Larry Bird and Jason Kidd, highlighting his exceptional abilities.
February 6, 2021: Matches Career High in Points
On February 6, 2021, Luka Dončić matched his then-career-high with 42 points, along with 11 assists and seven rebounds, in a win against the Golden State Warriors.
March 23, 2021: Named Honorary Member of Real Madrid Football Club
On March 23, 2021, Luka Dončić was named an honorary member of the Real Madrid Football Club, which is the highest distinction award of the club.
July 14, 2021: Dončić on NBA 2K22 cover
On July 14, 2021, Luka Dončić was announced as the cover athlete for NBA 2K22, the 23rd installment in the NBA 2K video game series.
July 26, 2021: Dončić scores 48 points in Olympic debut
On July 26, 2021, in his Olympic debut, Luka Dončić scored 48 points in a 118–100 victory over Argentina, tying for the second-highest men's point total in a single game in Summer Olympics history.
August 10, 2021: Signs Rookie Extension
On August 10, 2021, Luka Dončić signed a five-year, $207 million rookie extension, which was the largest in NBA history at the time.
October 22, 2022: Dončić records 32 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists in victory over Grizzlies
On October 22, 2022, Luka Dončić scored 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 137–96 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. He became the fourth player since the merger to reach 7,000 career points in less than 270 games.
2022: NBA All-Star Game Reserve
On February 3, 2022, Luka Dončić was named as a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.
January 3, 2023: Dončić awarded Western Conference Player of the Month
On January 3, 2023, Luka Dončić was named the Western Conference Player of the Month for his performance in December, marking his third such award.
March 2023: Dončić reaches "Grandmaster" tier in Overwatch 2
In March 2023, Luka Dončić reached the "Grandmaster" tier in competitive play of the video game Overwatch 2, and later became a top 500 player in the tank role.
July 2023: Dončić gets engaged to Anamaria Goltes
In July 2023, Luka Dončić got engaged to his longtime girlfriend Anamaria Goltes.
October 25, 2023: Dončić records triple-double against Spurs
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, becoming the first player in Mavericks history to achieve a 30-point triple-double in a season-opening game.
December 1, 2023: Dončić's daughter is born
On December 1, 2023, Luka Dončić and his fiancée Anamaria Goltes welcomed their daughter into the world.
2023: Dončić joins the 200-point club at the FIBA Basketball World Cup
During the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Luka Dončić became one of only 11 players to score over 200 points in a single World Cup campaign, leading all scorers with 27.0 points per game. Slovenia finished seventh, and Dončić was named to the World Cup All-Tournament Team.
2023: NBA Scoring Leader
During the 2023–24 season, Luka Dončić led the NBA in scoring, becoming the first European to lead the NBA in scoring and second international player to achieve the feat, also leading the Mavericks to their third NBA Finals appearance.
2023: Dončić inks 6 year deal with Jordan
In 2023 Luka Dončić inked a 6 year deal with Jordan solidifying the continuation of his Jordan Luka line.
January 2024: Jason Kidd states Dončić is better than Dirk Nowitzki
In January 2024, Jason Kidd stated that Luka Dončić is better than Dirk Nowitzki and is in the same atmosphere as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.
January 25, 2024: Dončić named Western Conference All-Star starter
On January 25, 2024, Luka Dončić was selected as a Western Conference starter for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, earning his fifth consecutive selection and fourth as a starter.
May 15, 2024: Dončić delivers triple-double in Game 5 against Thunder
On May 15, 2024, Luka Dončić recorded a triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 104–92 Game 5 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals, marking his sixth career playoff triple-double.
December 7, 2024: Dončić records triple-double, surpasses Chamberlain and Harden
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.
December 29, 2024: Dončić's house burglarized
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, preventing them from reaching the final phase of qualification.
2024: Traded to the 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 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 considered a significant and unexpected event in NBA history.
2029: Draft Pick for Dončić Trade
In the trade of Luka Dončić on February 2, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers sent a 2029 first-round draft pick to the Dallas Mavericks.
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