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. He has achieved significant recognition since his rookie season, earning five NBA All-Star selections and five All-NBA First Team honors. Dončić also represents the Slovenian national team and is celebrated as one of the greatest European basketball players ever.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1959: Dončić matches Chamberlain's record

In 1959-60 season, Wilt Chamberlain scored at least 30 points in each of the first eight games, matching Luka Dončić's achievement in the 2022-2023 season.

1962: Dončić surpasses Chamberlain's record

In the 1962-63 season, Wilt Chamberlain scored at least 30 points in each of the first seven games, a record surpassed by Luka Dončić in the 2022-2023 season.

1986: Dončić matches Jordan's record

In 1986-87 season, Michael Jordan scored at least 30 points in each of the first six games, matching Luka Dončić's achievement in the 2022-2023 season.

1999: Dončić matches Duncan's record

In the 2024 NBA Finals, Luka Dončić 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 breaks record since Kobe Bryant's 81-point game

On January 26, 2024, Luka Dončić scored 73 points, 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.

December 2009: Dončić surpasses Nowitzki's record

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

2010: Selection to EuroLeague 2010-20 All-Decade Team

In the 2010s, Luka Dončić was selected to the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team.

2010: EuroLeague 2010-20 All-Decade Team recognition

Luka Dončić was recognized for his contributions to the EuroLeague as part of the 2010-20 All-Decade Team.

September 2011: MVP at Vasas Intesa Sanpaolo Cup

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

2011: Mavericks win 2011 NBA Finals

In 2011, The Dallas Mavericks won the NBA Finals, marking their first first-round series victory since then, achieved later in Luka Dončić's career.

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, where he averaged 13.0 points and 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, finishing as MVP and leading scorer with 34.5 points per game. He had standout performances, including 54 points in a title-clinching win.

February 2013: Minicopa Endesa Win and MVP

In February 2013, Luka Dončić led Real Madrid to a Minicopa Endesa win, averaging 24.5 points and winning 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.

May 2015: Next Generation Tournament MVP

In May 2015, Luka Dončić won the under-18 Next Generation Tournament and was selected MVP after defeating Crvena zvezda Belgrade in the final.

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.

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: EuroBasket 2017 Victory and All-Tournament Selection

In 2017, Luka Dončić was a key member of the Slovenian team that won its first gold medal at EuroBasket with an undefeated record of 9-0. His notable performances included scoring 27 points against Latvia in the quarterfinals and contributing to the semifinal victory over Spain. Although injured in the final against Serbia, Slovenia won the tournament. Dončić's contributions were recognized with his selection to the All-Tournament Team.

2017: Winning streak from senior national team debut

In 2017, started a 17-match winning streak from the senior national team debut.

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.

June 21, 2018: Dončić drafted and traded to Mavericks

On June 21, 2018, Luka Dončić was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks and then traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Trae Young and a 2019 first-round pick. The Mavericks' coach, Rick Carlisle, expressed excitement about acquiring Dončić as a franchise cornerstone.

October 17, 2018: Regular-season debut

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

November 2018: Named NBA Rookie of the Month

In November 2018, Luka Dončić was named NBA Rookie of the Month in the Western Conference, marking an early career achievement.

December 2018: Named Western Conference Rookie of the Month

In December 2018, Luka Dončić was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for the second consecutive month, solidifying his impressive start to his NBA career.

2018: Widely Regarded as Top NBA Prospect

Entering the 2018 NBA draft, Luka Dončić was recognized as one of the best and most accomplished European prospects of his generation. He was lauded as the "best international prospect ever" and the "most accomplished NBA prospect in decades" by various sports publications.

2018: EuroLeague Title with Real Madrid

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: Named Western Conference Rookie of the Month

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

October 25, 2019: First triple-double of the season

On October 25, 2019, Luka Dončić recorded his first triple-double of the 2019-2020 season with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 123–116 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

November 2019: Nomination 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: Consecutive games record

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

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, citing his exceptional court vision.

January 4, 2020: Tenth triple-double of the season

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

March 2020: Selection for 2010–20 All-Decade Team

In March 2020, Luka Dončić was selected for the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team, recognizing his contributions to the league during that period.

July 31, 2020: Fifteenth triple-double of the season

On July 31, 2020, Luka Dončić recorded his 15th triple-double of the season, with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, in a 153–149 overtime 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 skills and impact on the game.

2020: Leads Slovenia to First Olympic Berth

In 2020, Luka 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 after leading Slovenia to a 96–85 victory over Lithuania, recording 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists in the final round.

February 6, 2021: Matches career-high in points

On February 6, 2021, Luka Dončić matched his then-career-high of 42 points, along with 11 assists and 7 rebounds, in a 134–132 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

March 23, 2021: Honorary Membership to Real Madrid

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

July 14, 2021: Named 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 with Near-Record Performance

On July 26, 2021, in his Olympic debut, Luka Dončić scored 48 points in Slovenia's 118–100 victory over Argentina. This performance tied 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, with seven rebounds and 10 assists, in a 137–96 victory over 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 was awarded the Western Conference Player of the Month award for his performance in December, marking the third time he received this honor in his career.

October 25, 2023: Dončić records 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 over the San Antonio Spurs, becoming the first player in Mavericks history to achieve a 30-point triple-double in a season-opening game.

2023: Dončić Joins 200-Point Club and Named to All-Tournament Team

During the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Luka Dončić became one of only 11 players to score over 200 points in a single tournament. He led all scorers with 27.0 points per game, also contributing 7.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.5 steals 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 achieve this feat. That season, he also led the Mavericks to their third NBA Finals appearance.

2023: Dončić follows Jokić's footsteps

In the 2024 NBA Finals, Dončić finished the postseason as the leader in total points, rebounds and assists, becoming the second player in NBA history since Nikola Jokić in the 2023 NBA playoffs to finish as the playoff leader in all three of those categories.

January 2024: Jason Kidd Praises Dončić as Better Than Dirk Nowitzki

In January 2024, Jason Kidd, former basketball player and Dallas Mavericks head coach, asserted that Luka Dončić is superior to Dirk Nowitzki and ranks among the best players of all time, including 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 his fourth time as a starter.

May 15, 2024: Dončić delivers triple-double in Game 5

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

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 and surpassed Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden for seventh on the all-time career triple-double list.

2024: Dončić finishes as the leader in total points

In 2024, Dončić finished the postseason as the leader in total points, rebounds and assists, becoming the second player in NBA history to finish as the playoff leader in all three of those categories.