Lakers guard Luka Doncic averages 40.1 points in first nine games
A 53-point performance against Portland moved the Slovenian star into historic scoring territory for the 2026-27 season.
By Grace Anderson ·
Luka Doncic is averaging 40.1 points per game through the first nine games of the 2026-27 season. The Los Angeles Lakers star posted a season-high 53 points on Friday to help his team defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 124-118 at Crypto.com Arena.
No NBA player has averaged 40 points in a season since Wilt Chamberlain in 1962-63. Doncic is on pace to join that group after recording 361 points in his first nine games. Chamberlain is the only player in league history to score more than that total in the same span, according to ESPN Research. The Hall of Famer recorded 472 points through nine games in 1962-63 and 455 points in 1961-62.
Doncic leads the league in scoring, shot attempts, three-point attempts, free throw attempts, usage rate, player efficiency rating, and win shares. He has taken on the primary offensive role for the Lakers following the offseason departure of LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 27-year-old guard exceeded 40 points for the sixth time this season and topped 50 for the second time. He now has 11 career games with at least 50 points, tying him for 10th all-time. Among active players, he trails only James Harden, Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, and LeBron James in that category.
Lakers coach JJ Redick praised his star's unique skill set. 'Luka can do some things that maybe a handful, if not no one, can do in basketball,' Redick said. Blazers coach Micah Nori called Doncic the league's current most valuable player during pregame comments on Friday.
Doncic described the situation as early in the campaign. 'It's obviously a long season,' he said. 'We're 10 games in. We've got 72 left. As long as we're winning, I'm good. I got [the shots] up today, I'm not going to lie. Hopefully it continues, but you never know.'
The Lakers next play on Saturday. Doncic will look to extend his scoring streak after joining Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor, and George Mikan as the only Lakers to score at least 40 points in four consecutive games.
