Luka Doncic made history on Monday night by becoming the fastest LA Laker ever to reach 2,000 points with 46 points against the Chicago Bulls.
The Forward-Guard has been in electric form for the Lakers in the 2025/26 NBA season, with a 33.7 points average (the highest in the league), 7.9 in rebounds, and 8.8 average in assists so far, the #77 making a strong case for the highly coveted MVP award at the end of the season.
The Slovenian was traded in February 2025, in a controversial move that shocked the league. His previous team, the Dallas Mavericks, sought to improve its defense by acquiring 10x NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, but the move backfired amid his long-term injury problems. The mid-season trade surprised both the league and the players involved.
The decision faced heavy backlash, as Doncic, the 2019 Rookie of the Year, was seen as a franchise cornerstone and top European talent.
Dallas cited concerns over Doncic’s conditioning and looming super-max extension, worth $345 million over five years, as the rationale for trading him.
Doncic reached 2,000 points in just his 65th game for LA. The 129-118 win over Chicago ended the Bulls’ four-game streak.
Doncic’s recent form has been phenomenal as LA prepares for LeBron James’s expected retirement. In his last ten games, Doncic scored 30+ points in seven, proving he can lead the franchise.
Elsewhere against the Bulls, LeBron put together a solid 24-point showcase. Rui Hachimura provided 23 points despite not starting, and guard Marcus Smart contributed 12 points, two rebounds, and one assist.
