Luka Dončić's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Luka Dončić.

Luka Dončić is a Slovenian professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. A five-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA First Team selection, Dončić has achieved considerable success since his rookie season. He also represents the Slovenian national team in international competitions. He is recognized as one of the greatest European players in basketball history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1959: Dončić joins Wilt Chamberlain since 1959-60 season.

In 1959, 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 and the first 23 of the 1962–63 season.

1960: Comparison to Oscar Robertson

In 1960, Oscar Robertson had an exceptional rookie season, setting a high benchmark against which Luka Dončić's performance was later compared.

1962: Dončić joins Wilt Chamberlain since 1962-63 season.

In 1962, Dončić became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1962–63 to score at least 30 points in each of the first seven games of a season.

December 1967: Two Game Scoring Record

In February 2022, Luka 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: ABA-NBA Merger Record

In December 2019, Luka Dončić surpassed the record for consecutive games with at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, a record formerly held by Michael Jordan.

1980: Three-Point Era Achievement

In February 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: 35-Point Triple-Double Record

Since the 1983-84 NBA season, only a few players achieved successive 35-point triple-doubles, with Luka Dončić later joining the ranks of Michael Jordan, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook.

1984: Comparison to Michael Jordan

In 1984, Michael Jordan had a notable rookie season, establishing a standard against which Luka Dončić's achievements were measured.

1986: Dončić joins Michael Jordan since 1986-87 season.

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

1989: Michael Jordan's Record

In 1989, Michael Jordan held the record for 18 straight games with at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists, a record Luka Dončić surpassed on December 8, 2019.

1998: Comparison to Tim Duncan

In September 2020, Luka Dončić became 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.

2001: Youngest Player of the Month

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

2003: Comparison to LeBron James

In 2003, LeBron James had a remarkable rookie season, providing a point of comparison for Luka Dončić's accomplishments.

January 22, 2006: Dončić Exceeds Point Total since Kobe Bryant.

On January 22, 2006, Dončić became the player with most points scored in a single game by any player since Kobe Bryant scored 81 points.

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

In December 2009, Dončić scored 41 points in the first half of a game, setting a Mavericks franchise record for the most points in any half, surpassing the previous record set by Dirk Nowitzki.

2009: Comparison to Tyreke Evans

In 2009, Tyreke Evans had a noteworthy rookie season, serving as a reference for evaluating Luka Dončić's performance.

2010: Nomination to the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team

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

September 2011: MVP at the 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 achieved their first-round series victory since winning the 2011 NBA Finals.

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, and won tournament MVP honors.

April 2012: MVP at the 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, showcasing his skills in a title-clinching win over Lazio.

February 2013: Minicopa Endesa Win and MVP Honors

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 won MVP honors.

January 2015: 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, 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: Next Generation Tournament Win and MVP

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

January 14, 2017: EuroLeague MVP of the Round

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

2017: EuroBasket 2017 Gold Medal

In 2017, Dončić and the Slovenian national team won the EuroBasket tournament, achieving a perfect 9-0 record and securing Slovenia's first gold medal. He was named to the All-Tournament Team alongside teammate Goran Dragić.

2017: EuroBasket Title and All-Tournament Team Selection

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

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 under a second left in regulation to beat Crvena zvezda Belgrade, 82–79.

November 2018: Named Western Conference Rookie of the Month

In November 2018, Luka Dončić was named the NBA Western Conference Rookie of the Month, acknowledging his outstanding performance and impact early in his rookie season.

December 2018: Named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for December

In December 2018, Luka Dončić earned the title of Western Conference Rookie of the Month, marking his consistent performance and contribution to the Mavericks.

2018: EuroLeague Title and MVP Awards

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.

January 2019: Western Conference Rookie of the Month

In January 2019, Luka Dončić was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month, adding another accolade to his impressive rookie season.

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, contributing to the Mavericks' victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

November 2019: Nomination 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, exceeding Michael Jordan's previous record from 1989.

December 2019: Magic Johnson Comparison

In December 2019, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich compared Dončić's playing style to that of Magic Johnson, praising his court vision.

2019: First NBA All-Star Game

During the 2019-2020 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.

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

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

March 2020: Selection to the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team

In March 2020, Luka Dončić was selected to 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 153–149 overtime loss to the Houston Rockets.

August 2020: Larry Bird and Jason Kidd Comparison

In August 2020, head coach Rick Carlisle likened Dončić's playmaking and court vision to that of Larry Bird and Jason Kidd, acknowledging his exceptional skills on the court.

2020: Olympic Berth

In 2020, Dončić led Slovenia to its first-ever Olympic berth during the FIBA Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Kaunas, Lithuania. He was named MVP of the tournament.

March 23, 2021: Honorary Membership 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 26, 2021: Olympic Debut

On July 26, 2021, in his Olympic debut, 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.

October 22, 2022: Dončić Records 32 Points in Victory Over Grizzlies

On October 22, 2022, Luka Dončić scored 32 points, along with seven 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 fewer than 270 games.

2022: Named All-Star Reserve

In February 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 received the Western Conference Player of the Month award for his performance in December, marking the third time he has received the award.

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: FIBA Basketball World Cup

During the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Dončić surpassed 200 points, becoming one of only 11 players to reach that milestone in a single World Cup. Slovenia finished seventh, and Dončić was named to the World Cup All-Tournament Team.

2023: Dončić's NBA Finals Echoes Nikola Jokić Feat in 2023.

In 2023, Dončić concluded the postseason as the leader in total points (635), rebounds (208), and assists (178), making him the second player in NBA history to top all three categories since Nikola Jokić achieved the feat in the 2023 NBA playoffs.

2023: NBA Scoring Leader

In 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. That season, he led the Mavericks to their third NBA Finals appearance.

January 2024: Jason Kidd Comments

In January 2024, Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd stated that Dončić is "better than Dirk [Nowitzki]" and compared him to basketball legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.

January 25, 2024: Dončić Named All-Star Starter

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 Achieves Playoff Triple-Double in Game 5 Victory

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 in 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 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He surpassed Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden for seventh place on the all-time career triple-double list.

2024: Dončić Leads Postseason in Points, Rebounds, and Assists

In 2024, Luka Dončić concluded the postseason as the leader in total points (635), rebounds (208), and assists (178), making him the second player in NBA history to top all three categories since Nikola Jokić achieved the feat in the 2023 NBA playoffs.