Luka Dončić: A European Basketball Icon and Lakers' Star

Luka Dončić, born on February 28, 1999, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, is one of the most talented European basketball players of all time. The Slovenian professional basketball star currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA, Known for his exceptional scoring ability, playmaking skills, and basketball IQ, Dončić has earned five NBA All-Star selections and five All-NBA First Team honors.

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Dončić began his basketball journey with Union Olimpija before joining Real Madrid's youth academy. At just 16, he became the youngest player to debut for Madrid's senior team. He led the team to a EuroLeague Championship in 2018, winning both EuroLeague MVP and Final Four MVP. His success continued when he helped Slovenia secure its first EuroBasket title in 2017.

Drafted third overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, Dončić was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he won NBA Rookie of the Year. By the 2023-24 season, he led the NBA in scoring and guided the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. In a blockbuster 2024 trade, he joined the Lakers, marking one of the most shocking trades in NBA history.

Youth Career: From Union Olimpija to Real Madrid

Luka Dončić’s basketball journey began at Union Olimpija when he was just eight years old. Invited to train with the club, he quickly outperformed his peers, moving up to play with older age groups. Despite league restrictions limiting him to the under-12 team, Dončić regularly practiced with Olimpija’s under-14 squad. In 2011, he showcased his talent at the Vasas Intesa Sanpaolo Cup, earning MVP honors. Soon after, in February 2012, he joined Real Madrid on loan for the Minicopa Endesa, where he led the team to a runner-up finish while securing another MVP award.

At Real Madrid, Dončić officially signed a five-year contract in September 2012 at just 13 years old. He dominated youth tournaments, winning Minicopa Endesa in 2013 and earning MVP honors. By 2014-15, he played for Real Madrid’s under-18 and reserve teams, averaging 13.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. His performances in the Ciutat de L’Hospitalet Tournament and Next Generation Tournament further cemented his status as an elite prospect.

2015–16: Early Years at Real Madrid

Luka Dončić made his professional debut for Real Madrid on April 30, 2015, in a Liga ACB match against Unicaja. At just 16 years, two months, and two days old, he became the youngest player in Real Madrid history to play in the ACB League. That season, he played five games, averaging 1.6 points and 1.2 rebounds in limited minutes.

The 2015–16 season marked Dončić’s full integration into Real Madrid’s senior squad. He played against the Boston Celtics in an NBA preseason game, showcasing his skills on a global stage. On October 16, 2015, he made his EuroLeague debut against Khimki, becoming the 21st player in history to debut before turning 17. Dončić’s standout moment came on November 29, 2015, when he posted 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists against Bilbao, setting an ACB record for players under 17.

By the end of the season, Dončić averaged 4.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in the ACB League, while contributing 3.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in the EuroLeague.

2016–17: Rise to Prominence

Dončić’s breakout season began in September 2016, when he recorded six points and four assists against Unicaja. A few months later, on December 4, 2016, he posted his first double-double with 23 points and 11 assists against Montakit Fuenlabrada, earning his first ACB Player of the Week award.

His EuroLeague dominance began when he scored 17 points in a victory over Žalgiris Kaunas on December 8, 2016. Two weeks later, he became the youngest MVP of the Round in EuroLeague history after a 16-point, six-rebound, five-assist performance against Brose Bamberg.

On February 18, 2017, Dončić recorded a season-high 23 points against Baskonia in the Spanish King's Cup. He continued his strong playoff run, securing EuroLeague MVP of the Round honors twice in April 2017. That season, Dončić averaged 7.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in the ACB and 7.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in the EuroLeague. He was unanimously named EuroLeague Rising Star and won the ACB Best Young Player award.

2017–18: MVP Season & European Domination

Following an injury to Sergio Llull, Dončić became Real Madrid’s primary playmaker in the 2017–18 season. He opened the EuroLeague season with a career-high 27 points against Anadolu Efes. On October 24, he exploded for 27 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, earning MVP of the Round honors, a feat he repeated just two days later.

In December 2017, Dončić set a career-high 33 points against Olympiacos Piraeus. By May 2018, he recorded a triple-double against Real Betis Energía Plus, the first in Liga ACB since 2007. His stellar performances led Real Madrid to the EuroLeague Finals, where he scored 15 points in the championship game against Fenerbahçe Doğuş, securing the EuroLeague Final Four MVP award.

At just 19 years old, Dončić won the EuroLeague MVP, becoming the youngest in history to do so. He also repeated as EuroLeague Rising Star and won the ACB MVP award after leading Real Madrid to the Spanish League title.

On June 29, 2018, Dončić officially parted ways with Real Madrid, setting the stage for his historic transition to the NBA.

EuroLeague & Real Madrid Honors

In November 2019, Luka Dončić was nominated for the EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team, securing his place in March 2020. On March 23, 2021, Real Madrid Football Club honored Dončić as an honorary member, alongside Spanish rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr., marking one of the club’s highest distinctions.

2018–19: Rookie of the Year

In the 2018 NBA Draft, Dončić was selected third overall by the Atlanta Hawks but was traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Trae Young and a future first-round pick. Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle called him a "franchise foundation piece."

Dončić made his NBA debut on October 17, 2018, posting 10 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Just days later, he recorded 26 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves, becoming the youngest 20-point scorer in Mavericks history. By October 29, he scored his first 30-point game against the San Antonio Spurs.

In January 2019, Dončić recorded his first NBA triple-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Milwaukee Bucks, making him the third-youngest player ever to achieve the feat. Later that month, he posted a 35-point triple-double against the Toronto Raptors, becoming the first teenager in NBA history to record multiple triple-doubles.

He finished his rookie season averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, joining legends Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James as the only rookies to average at least 20/5/5. In June 2019, he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award, becoming just the second European player, after Pau Gasol, to claim the title.

2019–20: Record-Breaking Regular Season

Luka Dončić kicked off the 2019–20 NBA season with a triple-double on October 25, 2019, posting 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win against the New Orleans Pelicans. He followed up with multiple triple-doubles, including a career-high 42 points against the San Antonio Spurs on November 18.

Dončić became the youngest player in NBA history to record consecutive 35-point triple-doubles, breaking Oscar Robertson’s record. He joined legends Michael Jordan, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook as the only players to do so since 1983. In December 2019, Dončić won his first NBA Player of the Month award, making him the youngest Western Conference winner.

On January 4, 2020, he recorded 39 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game against the Charlotte Hornets, marking his 10th triple-double of the season.

First NBA All-Star & Playoff Debut

In February 2020, Dončić was selected as a Western Conference starter for his first NBA All-Star Game, becoming the youngest European starter in history. By March 4, he had surpassed Jason Kidd for the most triple-doubles in Mavericks history.

Dončić led the NBA in triple-doubles that season and was named to the All-NBA First Team, the youngest since Tim Duncan (1999).

His NBA Playoff debut on August 17, 2020, saw him set a record with 42 points against the Los Angeles Clippers. On August 23, Dončić delivered a 43-point, 17-rebound, 13-assist triple-double, including a buzzer-beater game-winner.

2020–21: First Division Title & Second All-NBA First Team Selection

Luka Dončić continued his rise as one of the NBA’s top superstars during the 2020–21 season. On February 6, 2021, he tied his career-high 42 points, adding 11 assists and seven rebounds in a thrilling 134–132 win over the Golden State Warriors. Days later, on February 12, he set a new career-high with 46 points, along with 12 assists and eight rebounds, in a 143–130 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Dončić delivered another historic performance on May 1, registering 31 points, 12 rebounds, and a career-high 20 assists in a 125–124 win over the Washington Wizards. He became just the fourth player in NBA history to record a 30-point triple-double with 20+ assists, joining Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, and Russell Westbrook.

On May 7, Dončić reached 5,000 career points at just 22 years and 68 days old, making him the fourth-youngest player to reach that milestone, following LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Carmelo Anthony.

In the 2021 NBA Playoffs, he led the Mavericks past the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. He became the youngest player to record three triple-doubles in his first seven postseason games and surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the youngest player to achieve a playoff triple-double on the road.

Despite Dončić scoring a playoff career-high 46 points in Game 7, the Mavericks were eliminated by the Clippers. However, on June 15, he earned his second consecutive All-NBA First Team selection, becoming just the sixth player since the NBA-ABA merger to receive multiple First Team selections in his first three seasons.

2021–22: Western Conference Finals & Third All-NBA First Team Selection

On August 10, 2021, Dončić signed a five-year, $207 million contract extension, the largest rookie extension in NBA history.

His dominance continued as he was selected for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game. On February 3, Dončić recorded his 44th career triple-double with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 15 assists, moving into the top 10 all-time. A week later, he scored a career-high 51 points, including 28 in the first quarter, in a 112–105 victory over the Clippers.

In March 2022, Dončić was named NBA Western Conference Player of the Month, becoming the second Maverick in history (after Dirk Nowitzki) to win the award multiple times.

2022 NBA Playoffs: Luka Leads Mavericks to Western Conference Finals

After missing three playoff games due to injury, Dončić led the Mavericks past the Utah Jazz in Game 6, marking Dallas’ first playoff series win since 2011.

In Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals, Dončić dominated with 35 points in three quarters, leading the Mavericks to a 123–90 win over the #1-seed Phoenix Suns.

He continued his playoff excellence in the Western Conference Finals, scoring 42 points in Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors, joining Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain as one of only three players to reach 800 career playoff points in 25 games.

On May 24, 2022, Dončić was named to his third consecutive All-NBA First Team, becoming the third player since the merger to achieve this in his first four seasons, alongside Larry Bird and Tim Duncan.

2022–23: A Historic Start to the NBA Season

Luka Dončić began the 2022–23 NBA season with record-setting performances. On October 22, 2022, he scored 32 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds in a dominant 137–96 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. This milestone made him the fourth-fastest player since the NBA-ABA merger to reach 7,000 career points in under 270 games, joining Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and LeBron James.

On October 27, Dončić recorded a 41-point triple-double in an overtime victory against the Brooklyn Nets, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain for the fifth-most 30-point triple-doubles in NBA history. By October 30, he became the first player in NBA history to total 200+ points, 50+ rebounds, and 50+ assists in the first six games of a season.

Dončić continued his scoring streak, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan in 1986–87 to record 30+ points in the first six games of a season. By November 2, he became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain (1962–63) to score 30+ points in the first seven games of a season.

Triple-Doubles and Franchise Records

On November 18, Dončić secured his 50th career triple-double with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in a win over the Denver Nuggets, making him the second-fastest player in NBA history to reach this milestone.

On December 27, he set a career-high 60 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 126–121 win over the New York Knicks. This made him the first player in NBA history to record a 60-point, 20-rebound triple-double.

Just days later, on December 31, he dropped 51 points against the San Antonio Spurs, setting another NBA record by becoming the first player ever to record 250+ points, 50+ rebounds, and 50+ assists over a five-game span.

All-Star Selection & Playoff Disappointment

Dončić was named a Western Conference All-Star starter for the fourth consecutive year on January 26, 2023. He also won NBA Western Conference Player of the Month for December, marking his third career win.

On March 2, he scored 42 points and 12 assists in a 133–126 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, making Mavericks history with Kyrie Irving as the first duo to score 40+ points in the same game.

2023–24: Record-Breaking NBA Season

The 2023–24 NBA season was historic for Luka Dončić, as he won his first scoring title, led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals, and set multiple records.

Explosive Start & Triple-Double Milestones

Dončić started strong with a 30-point triple-double on opening night. By December 2, he tied Larry Bird for ninth in career triple-doubles, later surpassing him with his 60th triple-double. On December 25, he reached 10,000 career points, joining legends like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

73-Point Career Night & Historic Scoring Feats

On January 26, 2024, Dončić scored 73 points on 75% shooting, the most efficient 70-point game in NBA history. He followed it up with a 50-point triple-double average over two games.

NBA’s First-Ever Six Consecutive 30-Point Triple-Doubles

On March 9, Dončić became the first player in NBA history to record six straight 30-point triple-doubles. By season’s end, he surpassed Mark Aguirre’s franchise record for most points in a season and won the NBA scoring title.

Mavericks’ Playoff Run & First NBA Finals Appearance

Dončić led Dallas to the NBA Finals, winning the Western Conference Finals MVP. In Game 2 of the Finals, he posted a historic triple-double, but the Mavericks fell to the Boston Celtics in five games.

2024–25: Final Season with the Mavericks & Blockbuster Trade to the Lakers

Luka Dončić’s 2024–25 NBA season began with record-breaking performances for the Dallas Mavericks. On December 7, 2024, he notched a triple-double with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a win over the Toronto Raptors, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden for seventh on the all-time triple-double list. Days later, on December 16, Dončić delivered another historic performance with his 80th career triple-double, scoring a season-high 45 points against the Golden State Warriors. However, on Christmas Day, he suffered a calf strain that sidelined him for over a month.

On February 2, 2025, the NBA world was stunned when Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers alongside Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The trade was historic, marking the first time two reigning All-NBA players were swapped midseason. Dončić, blindsided by the move, had reportedly bought a $15 million house in Dallas just a week before.

After recovering from his injury, Dončić made his Lakers debut on February 10, scoring 14 points in a dominant win over the Utah Jazz. His arrival signaled a new era for the Lakers.

NBA Achievements: Records & Milestones

Luka Dončić’s Regular Season Achievements

• Broke Jason Kidd’s Dallas Mavericks franchise record for most triple-doubles (22) in just 122 games.
• Youngest player in NBA history to lead the league in triple-doubles (21 years, 168 days).
• Recorded 20 consecutive games with at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, breaking Michael Jordan’s record (18 games).
• First player since Tim Duncan to make the All-NBA First Team in his first or second season.
• Fastest to 35 career triple-doubles (190 games), surpassing Magic Johnson.
• Third-fastest player to reach 4,000 career points post-ABA–NBA merger (behind Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal).
• First player in NBA history to achieve:
• 60-point, 20-rebound triple-double (60 pts, 21 rebs, 10 asts).
• 225 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists in five games.
• 30-point triple-double as a teenager (35 pts, 12 rebs, 10 asts).
• Six consecutive 30-point triple-doubles.
• Five consecutive 35-point triple-doubles.
• Multiple 40-point triple-doubles before turning 21.
• Second player in history to start a season with eight straight 30+ point games (Wilt Chamberlain).
• Fifth player ever to average a 30-point triple-double over 10 games (Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James).
• Youngest player to reach 1,000 career three-pointers (24 years, 286 days old).

Luka Dončić’s Playoff Records

• NBA record 42 points in his playoff debut.
• First player in NBA history to:
• Record multiple 30-point triple-doubles before turning 23.
• Achieve 250+ points, 70+ rebounds, and 70+ assists in first eight career playoff games.
• Lead the playoffs in points, rebounds, and assists entering the NBA Finals.
• Lead the playoffs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
• Second player to score 70+ points in first two career playoff games (George Mikan – 75 points in 1949).
• Third player in history to record 300+ points in first nine playoff games (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan).
• Fourth player to achieve 600+ points, 150+ rebounds, and 150+ assists in a single postseason (Nikola Jokić, LeBron James, Larry Bird).
• Fifth player ever to score 40+ points and hit a game-winning buzzer-beater in a playoff game (Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard).
• Youngest player to hit a playoff buzzer-beater (21 years, 177 days old).

Luka Dončić’s Combined Regular Season & Playoff Feats

• Holds the record for most games with 30+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a single season (55 games).

Personal Life: Family, Endorsements & Interests

Luka Dončić, the NBA superstar, has a fascinating life beyond basketball. In July 2023, he got engaged to his longtime girlfriend Anamaria Goltes, and on December 1, 2023, they welcomed their daughter, Gabriela.

Fluent in Slovenian, Serbian, English, and Spanish, Dončić learned Spanish during his time with Real Madrid. His career off the court is equally impressive. He signed a two-year deal with Nike in 2017 and later secured a multi-year endorsement with Air Jordan in 2019, leading to his signature Jordan Luka sneaker line. In 2023, he extended his deal with Jordan for six more years.

A passionate gamer, Dončić excels in Overwatch 2, achieving Grandmaster and ranking among the top 500 tank players. His 2018–19 Panini National Treasures basketball card sold for a staggering $4.6 million in 2021.

Unfortunately, his Dallas home in Preston Hollow was burglarized on December 29, 2024.