Luka Doncic Sets Lakers Record in Nuggets Game
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic has been entrusted with a significant offensive role during LeBron James’ injury absence. Over four games since James was sidelined with a groin injury, Doncic has averaged 30.3 points and 9.3 assists. Continuing his strong performance, the five-time All-Star scored 21 points in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.
Doncic’s 21-point first quarter marked his highest quarter of the season, also contributing to the Lakers’ season-high 46-point frame (via Jovan Buha of The Athletic). As if that wasn’t enough, Doncic made history for the Lakers in the opening quarter of Wednesday’s game.
On his first 3-pointer of the night, Doncic hit his 50th career three-pointer as a Laker. Reaching that milestone in just 16 games, Doncic became the fastest player in franchise history to do so.
“Luka Doncic becomes the fastest player in Lakers franchise history to record 50+ 3PM,” StatMamba posted on X.
Entering Wednesday’s game with 1,325 career 3-pointers, Doncic ranked 38th among active players. Given that the Slovenian guard is only in his seventh NBA season, he is likely to quickly climb this list.
Since joining the Lakers, Doncic has averaged 26.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists over 15 games. The Lakers entered Wednesday with a 10-5 record in games featuring Doncic. With both the Lakers and Nuggets tied in the loss column, this was a crucial Western Conference matchup.
With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray absent, Doncic wasted no time in helping the Lakers jump to a 46-29 lead after the first quarter.