Luka Dončić’s Extraordinary Start to the 2025-26 NBA Season
In the wake of Luka Dončić’s mesmerizing performances at the outset of the 2025-26 NBA season, Marcus Smart offered up an unorthodox description: “Fantasticness.” This unusual term came after the Los Angeles Lakers secured a victory against the struggling Memphis Grizzlies last Friday, illustrating just how extraordinary Dončić’s play has been.
Rising Expectations
Fans of the Lakers anticipated great things from Dončić following his impressive physical transformation showcased on the cover of Men’s Health, and his sensational EuroBasket 2025 campaign elevated expectations even further. Yet, even the most optimistic supporters may not have predicted his remarkable stats: an average of 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists per game, accompanied by his best shooting percentages to date.
Historic Achievements
These achievements have led many to ponder the question of whether this is indeed the greatest version of Dončić we have ever witnessed, a claim that increasingly seems justified given his historic start. Only Wilt Chamberlain has matched Dončić’s feat of scoring 200 or more points in his first five games, a milestone not reached since the 1962-63 season. However, Dončić has faced some challenges, particularly with his three-point shooting, which currently sits at a mere 30.5%. Nonetheless, his overall offensive game has been exceptional.
Offensive Efficiency
When driving to the basket, Dončić ranks just behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Austin Reaves in points scored on drives. He is currently hitting an astounding 67.2% of his shots within the arc and dominates at the rim with an impressive 85% success rate, complemented by a robust 78.9% at the free-throw line. This high level of efficiency has resulted in a true shooting percentage of .636, which would set a new career high for him if maintained throughout the season.
Playmaking and Team Dynamics
In addition to leading the league in scoring, Dončić is also fifth in assists per game and sixth in points created through assists. Remarkably, despite shouldering a heavy playmaking burden in the absence of LeBron James and despite his high usage rate, his turnover rate is the lowest of his career at 11.3%. This efficiency has been aided by his developing chemistry with teammates Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, who have both added dimensions to the offense through their rim-running and effective screen-setting.
Supporting Cast and Team Performance
With catch-and-shoot specialists like Rui Hachimura and Jake LaRavia also contributing significantly, the Lakers’ offense has become one of the most efficient in the league. The distinct combination of Dončić’s playmaking and the supporting cast’s shooting has resulted in a staggering scoring rate of 1.185 points per play from pick-and-roll situations, ranking him among the top players in a key offensive metric.
Defensive Growth and Team Outlook
Lately, Dončić’s contributions have extended beyond his scoring; he notched a career-high five steals in a recent outing against the Spurs, showcasing his growth on the defensive end—a development that his teammates have readily noticed and appreciated. Currently, the Lakers boast a commendable record of 7-2, placing them second in the Western Conference, even amid various injury struggles.
Head coach JJ Redick‘s rotation has been tested with seven different starting combinations in just nine games due to the unavailability of key players. While the return of LeBron James from a sciatica issue remains uncertain, fans are left cheering for Dončić’s incredible athleticism and skill, as he continues to dazzle on the court. With the NBA world watching, anticipation builds around the possibility of more magic from this exceptionally talented player.
