Luka Dončić Sets Lakers Record with Back-to-Back 40-Point Games

LOS ANGELES — Luka Dončić scored 49 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 128-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, setting a franchise record. His performance shattered Jerry West‘s previous record of 81 points scored in the first two games of a season.

In just his second game with the Lakers, Dončić now has 92 points total, becoming the first player in NBA history to begin a season with two consecutive games of 40 or more points, 10-plus rebounds, and five or more assists.

“Yes,” teammate Austin Reaves responded when asked if Dončić could average 40 points this season. “He’s so good, it’s weird.” The Lakers improved their shooting significantly from their season opener, shooting 59.2% from the field compared to 54.5% earlier in the week.

Dončić finished the game with 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, shooting an impressive 14-for-23 from the floor and 16-for-19 from the free-throw line. He tied Kobe Bryant for the most first-quarter points in franchise history with 23 points.

Despite falling short in their opening game against the Golden State Warriors, where Dončić scored 43 points, the Lakers showed resilience against the Timberwolves, who eliminated them from the playoffs last season. “I just want to forget about last season,” Dončić said. “I was trying to move on.”

Lakers coach JJ Redick celebrated the team’s strong third quarter, a point of concern following their last game. “I think for the first time in Lakers history, the other team called the first timeout in the third quarter,” Redick remarked.

Dončić’s explosive performance has been crucial for the Lakers, especially with LeBron James sidelined by injury. In the upcoming games, the Lakers will face additional challenges as they seek to build on this momentum.