Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in the middle of the2024–25 season in acontroversial blockbuster trade that is regarded as one of the most shocking and unexpected trades in American sports history.[9]
According to his family, Dončić first touched a basketball when he was seven months old and frequently played with a miniature hoop in his room by age one.[11][17] Dončić played various sports in his childhood, includingfootball, which he later quit after growing too tall.[18] At age seven, Dončić began playing organized basketball at a primary school in Ljubljana.[17][19] His opponents at the time were up to 10 years old, as Dončić reflected: "I was always training and playing with older kids who had much more experience than me. Many of them were bigger and faster than me too, so I had to beat them with my brain."[19] Dončić admired Greek basketball playerVassilis Spanoulis from his early teenage years, stating that he was "enchanted" by him.[20] Dončić wore the number 7 at Real Madrid in honor of Spanoulis.[21] Dončić also grew up admiring the American basketball playerLeBron James.[22]
Youth career
Union Olimpija
When Dončić was eight, his father started playing for his hometown clubUnion Olimpija. Olimpija Basketball School coach Grega Brezovec invited Dončić to practice with players his age.[17][23] Only 16 minutes into his first training session, the coaching staff moved Dončić to the 11-year-old group. Starting in the next session, he primarily practiced with Olimpija's under-14 team. Still, due to league rules, Dončić only played for the club's under-12 selection team, coming off the bench against opponents three or four years older than him.[17][19] Despite his exclusion from under-14 games at the time, Dončić often asked to attend practice, even when his coach asked him to stay home.[17]
Representing Olimpija at the under-14 Vasas Intesa Sanpaolo Cup inBudapest in September 2011, Dončić was named themost valuable player (MVP) despite finishing as runners-up toFC Barcelona.[24] In February 2012, he wasloaned to Spanish clubReal Madrid for theMinicopa Endesa, an under-14 Spanish club competition.[25][26] Dončić averaged 13.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 3.3 steals per game to win tournament MVP honors, leading Real Madrid to a second-place finish.[26] In April 2012, he participated in the under-13 Lido di Roma Tournament for Olimpija, finishing as MVP and leading scorer with 34.5 points per game. In the semifinal round of the event against Victoria Fermo, Dončić posted 29 points and 15 rebounds. In a title-clinching win over Lazio, he erupted for 54 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.[17][27]
Real Madrid
Dončić after a youth game withReal Madrid in May 2014
In September 2012, at 13 years of age, Dončić signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid, immediately standing out on the under-16 team with coach Paco Redondo.[19][28] Dončić moved toMadrid, living with football and basketball prospects.[11] In February 2013, he led Real Madrid to a Minicopa Endesa win, averaging 24.5 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and six steals per game. In the tournament's final game, Dončić had 25 points, 16 rebounds, and five steals to defeat FC Barcelona and win MVP honors.[29] In March, he earned MVP accolades of the under-16 Spain Championship, scoring 25 points in a championship game win over theGran Canaria youth team.[30]
In the 2014–15 season, Dončić mainly played with Real Madrid's under-18 andreserve teams. He averaged 13.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists with the reserve team, helping them win Group B of theLiga EBA, theamateur fourth-division ofSpanish basketball.[31][32] By the end of the season, Dončić earned all-league honorable mention accolades from the basketball websiteEurobasket.com.[31] In January 2015, Dončić won the under-18Ciutat de L'Hospitalet Tournament and was selected to the All-Tournament Team, despite being two years younger than the rest of the team.[33] On January 6, against the youth team of his former club Union Olimpija, he posted adouble-double of 13 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and four steals.[34] In May 2015, Dončić won the under-18Next Generation Tournament, for which he was selected MVP after helping defeat defending championsCrvena zvezda Belgrade in the final.[35]
Professional career
Real Madrid (2015–2018)
Early years (2015–2016)
On April 30, 2015, Dončić made his professional debut for Real Madrid in theLiga ACB againstUnicaja, making his only three-point attempt in under two minutes of playing time.[36] At 16 years, two months, and two days of age, Dončić became the youngest player to ever play for Real Madrid in the ACB and the third-youngest debutant in league history, behind onlyRicky Rubio and Ángel Rebolo.[37] Dončić played five games in the2014–15 ACB season, averaging 1.6 points, and 1.2 rebounds in 4.8 minutes per game.[38]
In the 2015–16 season, Dončić became a regular member of Real Madrid's senior team. He played against theBoston Celtics in an NBA preseason game on October 8, 2015, collecting four rebounds, an assist, and a block.[39] On October 16, at age 16, Dončić debuted in the EuroLeague, scoring two points in a loss toKhimki.[40] He became the 21st player ever to debut in the EuroLeague before turning 17.[41] On October 18, Dončić recorded 10 points and four rebounds in a 94–61 victory overGipuzkoa.[42] On November 29, he posted a season-high 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists againstBilbao.[43] With the performance, Dončić set a new ACB record for most points and the highestPerformance Index Rating (PIR) in a game for players under age 17.[44] He scored 12 points and grabbed five rebounds on January 7, 2016, againstCSKA Moscow in the EuroLeague.[45][unreliable NBA source] After a Real Madridtime-out in the second quarter of the game, Dončić made three consecutive three-pointers, recording nine points in two minutes.[46] Through 39 games in the2015–16 ACB season, he averaged 4.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.[47] In 12 EuroLeague games, Dončić recorded 3.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.[48]
Rise to prominence (2016–2017)
Dončić with Real Madrid in 2017
Dončić made his 2016–17 season debut on September 30, 2016, against Unicaja, recording six points and four assists in 19 minutes.[49] He collected three points, five rebounds, and four assists in an NBA preseason win on October 3, 2016, over theOklahoma City Thunder.[50] On December 4, Dončić posted a double-double of 23 points and 11 assists, both season highs, in a 92–76 victory overMontakit Fuenlabrada.[51] The game earned him his first ACB player of the week honor.[52] Dončić scored a team-high 17 points in a EuroLeague victory overŽalgiris Kaunas on December 8, 2016.[53] After recording 16 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals in a 95–72 victory overBrose Bamberg on December 22, he was namedMVP of the Round in the EuroLeague, becoming the youngest player ever to do so.[54][55] Dončić earned the same honor on January 14, 2017, after posting 10 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists to help beatMaccabi Tel Aviv.[56] On February 9, Dončić recorded five points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists to defeatUNICS Kazan.[57] He scored a season-high 23 points on February 18, in theSpanish King's Cup againstBaskonia.[58] After scoring 13 points and grabbing eight rebounds in the2017 EuroLeague Playoffs againstDarüşşafaka on April 26, Dončić shared MVP of the Round accolades with two other players.[59] Two days later, he won the award outright, posting 11 points, five rebounds, and seven assists to lead Real Madrid to aEuroLeague Final Four berth.[60] Through 42 ACB games in the season, Dončić averaged 7.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. Through 35 EuroLeague contests, he averaged 7.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.[47] Dončić was namedEuroLeague Rising Star by a unanimous vote and claimed theACB Best Young Player award.[55][61]
MVP season (2017–2018)
Dončić assumed a more significant role for Real Madrid entering the 2017–18 season after the team's star playerSergio Llull suffered atorn ACL duringEuroBasket 2017.[62] In his season debut on October 1, 2017, he recorded eight points, six rebounds, and four assists in a 94–88 victory overMoraBanc Andorra.[63] On October 12, Dončić scored a career-high 27 points in his first EuroLeague game of the season to help defeatAnadolu Efes.[64] Dončić nearly recorded a triple-double againstValencia in his next game, with 16 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds.[65] On October 24, he was named EuroLeague MVP of the Round after erupting for 27 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals.[66] Dončić was named MVP of the Round again two days later, eclipsing his career-best score with 28 points in an 87–66 win over Žalgiris Kaunas, also grabbing nine rebounds and four assists in the game.[67] At the end of October, he earnedEuroLeague MVP of the Month honors, becoming the youngest player to win the award.[68] On December 8, Dončić set a career high in scoring with 33 points, six rebounds, and four assists againstOlympiacos Piraeus.[69] He led Real Madrid to a 79–77 victory over defending EuroLeague championFenerbahçe Doğuş on December 28, contributing 20 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds.[70] Following a 24-point outburst versusMovistar Estudiantes on December 31, Dončić was selected as Player of the Round in the ACB.[71] He was later named ACB Player of the Month for December, becoming the award's youngest recipient.[72]
(left) with Real Madrid; (right) guarded byJosh Adams
On February 9, 2018, Dončić led his team with 27 points in a losing effort to Olympiacos, 80–79.[73] Dončić had another strong performance on February 17 againstIberostar Tenerife in the2018 Spanish King's Cup, posting 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals.[74][75] On March 30, 2018, Dončić scored 24 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and made a game-winning three-pointer under a second left in regulation to beat Crvena zvezda Belgrade, 82–79.[76] On May 9, he recorded 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in 22 minutes againstReal Betis Energía Plus, for the first triple-double in the ACB since the2006–07 season, seventh in league history.[77] Dončić finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, and two assists on May 18, in a 92–83 victory over CSKA Moscow in the EuroLeague semifinals.[78][questionable NBA source] On May 20, he guided Real Madrid to aEuroLeague finals victory over Fenerbahçe Doğuş.[79] Dončić was subsequently namedEuroLeague Final Four MVP after scoring 15 points.[80] He won theEuroLeague MVP award, being its youngest winner, after averaging 16 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game over 33 EuroLeague games and leading the league in PIR.[81] Dončić also repeated as the EuroLeague Rising Star, becoming the third back-to-back winner.[82] Not only that, but he earned the ACB Best Young Player andMVP accolades after helping his team defeatKirolbet Baskonia in theleague finals.[83] On June 29, 2018, Dončić parted ways with Real Madrid.[84][85]
On June 21, 2018, Dončić was selected with the third overall pick by theAtlanta Hawks in the2018 NBA draft. He was then traded to theDallas Mavericks in exchange for the draft rights toTrae Young and a protected future first-round pick in 2019.[91][92] After the draft, Mavericks head coachRick Carlisle said, "At one point, we thought there might be a slight chance Dončić could fall to us, but a couple of days ago it was pretty clear that there was no way that was going to happen. He's just too good. We get a guy we think is franchise foundation piece."[93] Dončić signed his rookie contract with the Mavericks on July 9, 2018.[94] He did not play at the2018 NBA Summer League due to his late buyout from Real Madrid.[95] Before the2018–19 season,ESPN considered Dončić the favorite to win theNBA Rookie of the Year award.[96]
Dončić made his regular-season debut on October 17, 2018, recording 10 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in a 121–100 loss to thePhoenix Suns.[97] On October 20, Dončić recorded 26 points and 6 rebounds in a 140–136 victory over theMinnesota Timberwolves.[98] He became the youngest 20-point scorer in franchise history.[99] On October 29, Dončić posted 31 points and eight rebounds in a 113–108 loss to theSan Antonio Spurs for his first 30-point game in the NBA.[100] Three weeks later, Dončić recorded his first NBA double-double, with 15 points and 10 rebounds in a 98–88 loss to theMemphis Grizzlies.[101] He was namedNBA Rookie of the Month in theWestern Conference for November 2018.[102] On December 8, Dončić scored 21 points in a 107–104 victory over theHouston Rockets. After initial struggles, he produced a personal 11–0 run in the game's final minutes.[103] On December 28, Dončić scored 34 points and became the youngest NBA player to make seven three-pointers in a game.[104] He was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for December 2018.[105] On January 21, Dončić recorded his first NBA triple-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 116–106 loss to theMilwaukee Bucks. The performance made Dončić the third-youngest player in NBA history to accomplish the feat at 19 years and 327 days old, behindLaMelo Ball andMarkelle Fultz.[106][107] On January 27, Dončić scored a season-high 35 points and recorded his second NBA triple-double, adding 12 rebounds and 10 assists in a 123–120 loss to theToronto Raptors.[108] He became the first teenager in NBA history with a 30-point triple-double and multiple triple-doubles.[109][110] Two days later, Dončić was named a confirmed participant for the World Team representing Slovenia in the2019Rising Stars Challenge.[111] Despite being second in fan voting, behind onlyLeBron James, and ranked eighth in the total voting score, Dončić wasn't selected for the Western Conference All-Stars in the2019 NBA All-Star Game.[112][113][114]
On February 6, Dončić recorded his third triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 99–93 victory over theCharlotte Hornets, which made Dončić the youngest player in NBA history to record three triple-doubles.[115] He edgesHall of FamerMagic Johnson by 117 days.[116] On February 25, Dončić recorded his fourth triple-double with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 121–112 loss to theLos Angeles Clippers.[117] Dončić was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for January 2019.[118] His eight triple-doubles ranked fourth on the season behindRussell Westbrook (34),Nikola Jokić (12), andBen Simmons (10), as well as tied with LeBron James.[119] Dončić became just the fifth player in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in his rookie year, joiningOscar Robertson (1960–61),Michael Jordan (1984–85), LeBron James (2003–04), andTyreke Evans (2009–10).[120] In May, Dončić was selected unanimously to theAll-Rookie First Team. In June, he received theNBA Rookie of the Year award.[121][122] Dončić became the second European player, afterPau Gasol, to win the award[123] and the sixth overall winner not born in the United States.
First All-Star and playoff appearance (2019–2020)
Dončić made his first triple-double of the season on October 25, 2019, posting 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists to help the Mavericks defeat theNew Orleans Pelicans 123–116.[124][unreliable NBA source] In two consecutive games, on November 1 and 3, he recorded two triple-doubles and matched a career-high 15 assists in both games.[125][126] On November 8, Dončić scored a career-high 38 points and recorded his twelfth NBA triple-double by adding 14 rebounds and 10 assists in a 106–102 loss to theNew York Knicks.[127] Ten days later, in a 117–110 victory over theSan Antonio Spurs, Dončić recorded a then-career-high 42 points and his sixth triple-double of the season by adding 11 rebounds and 12 assists.[128] He made NBA history in a 142–94 victory over theGolden State Warriors on November 20, posting 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. Dončić became the youngest player to have 35-point triple-doubles in succession, breakingOscar Robertson's record. Dončić was the fourth player to do so since the1983–84 season, joiningMichael Jordan,James Harden, andRussell Westbrook.[129][130] In November, Dončić was named the NBA Western ConferencePlayer of the Week for Week 5 (November 18–24), his firstNBA Player of the Week award.[131][132] On December 3, he won his firstNBA Player of the Month award when he was named the NBA Western ConferencePlayer of the Month for October and November. Dončić became the youngest Western Conference Player of the Month winner since the league began issuing the award by conferences in the2001–02 season.[133] In December, he was namedSports Illustrated 2019 Breakout of the Year.[134] On December 8, 2019, Dončić surpassed the record for the most consecutive games with at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976. Michael Jordan previously held the record with 18 straight games in 1989.[135] Dončić recorded his tenth triple-double of the season on January 4, 2020, posting 39 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 123–120 loss to theCharlotte Hornets.[136]
During the2019–20 season, Dončić was selected to his firstNBA All-Star Game as a Western Conference starter.[137] Dončić became the youngest European player to start in an All-Star game.[138] On March 4, he recorded his 22nd career triple-double, passingJason Kidd for the most in Mavericks history. Dončić registered 30 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 127–123 overtime victory over theNew Orleans Pelicans.[139] He recorded his 15th triple-double of the season on July 31, 2020, posting 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 153–149 overtime loss to theHouston Rockets.[140] On August 4, Dončić recorded another triple-double with 34 points, 12 assists, and a career-high 20 rebounds in a 114–110 overtime win over theSacramento Kings. With that, he became the youngest player to record 30-plus points, 20-plus rebounds, and 10 or more assists.[141] On August 8, Dončić had a then-career-high 19 assists, which tiedLeBron James for an NBA season high,[142] 36 points, 14 rebounds, and two turnovers in a 136–132 win against theMilwaukee Bucks. The game marked Dončić's 17th triple-double of the season and clinched his spot as the youngest player to lead the NBA in triple-doubles.[143] On August 15, he was selected to the NBA'sAll-Seeding Games First Team for his play in the eight seeding games, where he averaged 30.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game.[144] Dončić finished as one of the three finalists for theNBA Most Improved Player award.[145] He finished third behind eventual winnerBrandon Ingram and second placeBam Adebayo.[146] On August 17, Dončić made hisNBA playoffs debut, scoring 42 points (most ever in an NBA playoffs debut) in a 118–110 loss to theLos Angeles Clippers.[147] On August 23, he became the youngest player in NBA postseason history with a 40-point triple-double, scoring 43 points, including a game-winning, buzzer-beating three-pointer, in a 135–133 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.[148] With that performance, Dončić became just the second player in NBA history to record at least 43 points, 17 rebounds, and 13 assists in any game, joiningWilt Chamberlain as the other.[148] On September 16, Dončić was named to theAll-NBA First Team. He became the first player sinceTim Duncan in the1998–99 season to be selected to an All-NBA First Team in a first or second season.[149] Dončić finished fourth overall in the season's finalMVP results. He also became the second-youngest player ever to finish in the top five of MVP voting.[150][151]
First division title and second All-NBA First Team (2020–2021)
Dončić shooting a free throw in 2021
On February 6, 2021, Dončić matched his then-career-high 42 points while putting up 11 assists and seven rebounds in a 134–132 win over theGolden State Warriors.[152] On February 12, Dončić logged a career-high 46 points with 12 assists, eight rebounds, a block, and a steal in a 143–130 win over theNew Orleans Pelicans.[153][154] On May 1, he recorded 31 points, 12 rebounds, and a career-high 20 assists in a 125–124 victory over theWashington Wizards.[155] With that performance, Dončić became just the fourth player in NBA history to record a 30-point triple-double with at least 20 assists, joining Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, and Russell Westbrook.[156] On May 7, Dončić reached 5,000 points for his career. At the age of 22 years and 68 days old, he became the fourth-youngest player to achieve the feat, trailing onlyLeBron James,Kevin Durant, andCarmelo Anthony.[157] On May 22, he recorded 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 113–103 victory over theLos Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of the2021 NBA Playoffs.[158] Dončić became the first player in NBA history to have three triple-doubles in their first seven career postseason games.[159] He also passedKareem Abdul-Jabbar as the youngest player in NBA history to record a playoff triple-double on the road.[160] On May 28, Dončić scored a then playoff career-high 44 points in a 118–108 loss in Game 3 of the Western Conference first round to the Los Angeles Clippers.[161] On June 6, in his first Game 7, Dončić surpassed his playoff career high with 46 points and 14 assists. The Mavericks fell short 126–111 and were eliminated in the first round for the second consecutive season, despite leading the series 2–0.[162][163] On June 15, Dončić was selected to his second consecutive All-NBA First Team.[164] Like the previous year, Dončić became the first player sinceTim Duncan to be selected twice to the All-NBA First Team in their first three seasons and just the sixth to do so since theABA–NBA merger, joiningDavid Thompson,Larry Bird,David Robinson, andAnfernee Hardaway.[165]
First Western Conference Finals appearance (2021–2022)
Dončić in 2021
On August 10, 2021, Dončić signed a five-year $207 millionrookie extension, the largest in NBA history.[166] On February 3, Dončić was named as a reserve for the2022 NBA All-Star Game.[167] Two days later, Dončić logged his 44th career triple-double with 33 points, 13 rebounds, 15 assists, and two steals in a 107–98 victory over thePhiladelphia 76ers, overtakingFat Lever for tenth on the all-time career triple-double list.[168] On February 10, Dončić scored 28 of his career-high 51 points in the first quarter, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out six assists on 17-of-26 shooting from the field, including seven three-pointers, in a 112–105 victory over theLos Angeles Clippers.[169] Three days later against the Clippers, Dončić scored 23 of his 45 points in the fourth quarter, grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished out eight assists in a 99–97 loss. With 96 points in the two games, Dončić had the most in a two-game span against the same opponent sinceWilt Chamberlain scored 100 for Philadelphia against Seattle in December 1967.[170] For his performances against the Clippers, Dončić was named Western Conference Player of the Week.[171] On February 18, he scored 49 points, including seven three-pointers, to go along with 15 rebounds and 8 assists in a 125–118 victory over theNew Orleans Pelicans.[172] Dončić became the fourth player in NBA history to record multiple 45-point, 15-rebound, and five-assist games in a calendar month,[173] as well as the first player to record at least 40 points, fifteen rebounds, five assists, five three-pointers, and a plus/minus of +20 in the same game.[174]
On February 27, Dončić recorded 34 points, and 11 rebounds, leading the Mavericks back from 21 down in the third quarter against theGolden State Warriors in a 107–101 victory.[175] Dončić became the first player in NBA history to average 30 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists per game while shooting at least 40 percent from three-point range in a calendar month in the three-point era since 1980.[176] On March 3, Dončić won his second career NBA Player of the Month award when he was named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Month for February; Dončić is the second Maverick to win this award multiple times, afterDirk Nowitzki, who won it six times in his career.[177][178] On March 29, Dončić logged his 46th career triple-double with 34 points (25 points in the first half), 12 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 128–110 victory over theLos Angeles Lakers.[179]
Dončić missed the first three games of the playoffs because of an injury in the final regular season game. On April 28, Dončić led the Mavericks to a 98–96 Game 6 win over theUtah Jazz to close the first-round series. It was the first time Dallas had advanced to the postseason's second round in Dončić's four-year NBA career. It was also the first time Mavericks won in the first round since winning the2011 NBA Finals.[180] On May 2, in Game 1 of theWestern Conference semifinals, Dončić posted 45 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists in a 121–114 loss to the #1-seedPhoenix Suns.[181] On May 15, Dončić recorded 35 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two steals in three quarters of play in a 123–90 Game 7 victory, securing the Mavericks a place in theWestern Conference Finals.[182] On May 20, during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, Dončić posted 42 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and three steals in a 126–117 loss to the Golden State Warriors. He joinedMichael Jordan (917) and Wilt Chamberlain (867) as the only players in NBA history with 800 points through their first 25 career playoff games. Dončić also tied Dirk Nowitzki for the most 40-plus-point games in Mavericks playoff history with seven.[183][184] Two days later, Dončić surpassed Nowitzki in 40-point playoff games with a double-double of 40 points (including 21 in the fourth quarter) and 11 rebounds in a 109–100 Game 3 loss.[185] According toElias Sports Bureau, he led Dallas in points, rebounds, and assists ten times during the playoffs—the most ever in a single postseason.[186] On May 24, Dončić was selected to his third All-NBA First Team, becoming the third player since the merger to do so in their first four years, joiningTim Duncan andLarry Bird.[187]
Record-setting performances and playoff miss (2022–2023)
On October 22, 2022, Dončić recorded 32 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists in a 137–96 victory over theMemphis Grizzlies.[188] In the game, he became the fourth player since the merger to record 7,000 career points in less than 270 games, joiningMichael Jordan,Shaquille O'Neal, andLeBron James.[189] On October 27, Dončić recorded a triple-double with 41 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists in a 129–125 overtime victory over theBrooklyn Nets.[190] The game marked his 22nd career 30-point triple-double, passingWilt Chamberlain for fifth most in NBA history.[191][192] On October 30, Dončić scored a game-high 44 points in a 114–105 victory over theOrlando Magic, becoming the first player in NBA history to record 200-plus points, 50-plus rebounds, and 50-plus assists through the first six games of a season.[189] He also became the sixth player in NBA history to score at least 30 points in each of the first six games of a season and the first to do so since Michael Jordan in the1986–87 season.[189][193] On November 2, in a 103–100 victory against theUtah Jazz, Dončić scored 33 points and became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain in1962–63 to score at least 30 points in each of the first seven games of a season.[194] In the next game, Dončić recorded 35 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals in a 111–110 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He became the only other NBA player to score 30 or more points in the first eight games of a season beside Wilt Chamberlain, who did it in the first eight of the1959–60 season and the first 23 of the1962–63 season.[195][196]
On November 18, Dončić recorded his 50th career triple-double with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 127–99 victory over theDenver Nuggets. In doing so, Dončić became the second-fastest player to record 50 triple-doubles, needing 278 career games, only trailingOscar Robertson (111) and one fewer game thanMagic Johnson (279).[197] On November 23, Dončić scored a game-high 42 points along with eight rebounds and nine assists in a 125–112 loss to theBoston Celtics.[198] He became the second-fastest player in NBA history (in terms of games played) to reach 7,500-plus points, 2,000-plus rebounds, and 2,000-plus assists, trailing only Oscar Robertson, who accomplished the feat in 254 games compared to the Dončić's 280 outings.[199] On November 29, Dončić recorded his 51st career triple-double with 41 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists in a 116–113 victory over the reigning championGolden State Warriors. It was the fifth 40-point triple-double of his career, ranking behind only Oscar Robertson (22),James Harden (16),Russell Westbrook (13), Wilt Chamberlain (7), and LeBron James (6) in NBA history.[200] Dončić also tiedDirk Nowitzki for the second-most 40-point outings in Mavericks history (20), trailing onlyMark Aguirre (22).[201]
On December 23, Dončić put up 50 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists in a 112–106 victory over theHouston Rockets. He joined Dirk Nowitzki as the only player to record multiple 50-point games in Mavericks history.[202] On December 27, Dončić set a career high in points (60) and rebounds (21) and became the first player in NBA history to record a 60-point, 20-rebound triple-double in a 126–121 victory over theNew York Knicks and the first player since James Harden to record a 60-point triple-double, the second in NBA history. Dončić also became just the third player in NBA history to record a 50-point, 20-rebound triple-double, joiningElgin Baylor and Chamberlain. Dončić's 60 points were also the most scored in Mavericks history, previously held by Nowitzki (53), and surpassed Nowitzki for the most 50-point games in Mavericks history.[203][204][205][206] On December 31, Dončić recorded 51 points, six rebounds, nine assists and four steals in a 126–125 win over theSan Antonio Spurs. He became the first player in NBA history to record 250-plus points, 50-plus rebounds, and 50-plus assists over a five-game span. Dončić also surpassed Mark Aguirre for the most 40-point games in Mavericks history with 23.[207][208]
On January 3, 2023, Dončić was awarded the Western ConferencePlayer of the Month award for his play during the month of December, the third of his career.[209] On January 12, Dončić recorded his 10th triple-double of the season with 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists playing a career-high 53 minutes in a 119–115 double overtime victory over theLos Angeles Lakers. Dončić hit tying three-pointers in the final seconds of regulation and the first overtime.[210][211] On January 26, he was named aWestern Conference starter for the2023 NBA All-Star Game, marking his fourth consecutive selection.[212] On January 30, Dončić scored 53 points on 17-of-24 shooting from the field in a 111–105 victory over theDetroit Pistons, marking his fifth career 50-point game. Dončić tied LeBron James for the second-most 50-point games in a player's first five seasons in the NBA with five, trailing Michael Jordan's record of 17 since theABA–NBA merger.[213] On March 2, Dončić had 42 points and 12 assists in a 133–126 victory over thePhiladelphia 76ers. In the same game, his teammateKyrie Irving scored 40 points and it was the first time in franchise history that two players scored 40 points in the same game.[214][215] On March 22, Dončić recorded 30 points, seven rebounds and a season-high 17 assists in a 127–125 loss to the Golden State Warriors.[216] It was his 41st 30-point game of the season, surpassingMark Aguirre's previous record for the most 30-point games in a season in Mavericks history.[217] On May 10, Dončić was selected to his fourth consecutive All-NBA First Team.[218]
First scoring title and finals appearance (2023–24)
On October 25, 2023, Dončić put up a triple-double with 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 126–119 win over theSan Antonio Spurs. He also became the first player in Mavericks history to put up a 30-point triple-double in a season-opening game.[219] Two days later, Dončić scored 49 points, including a career-high nine three-pointers, to go along with 10 rebounds and seven assists in a 125–120 victory over theBrooklyn Nets.[220] On November 10, Dončić scored 44 points on 17-of-21 shooting from the field in a 144–126 victory over theLos Angeles Clippers.[221] On December 2, he recorded his 59th career regular-season triple-double with 36 points, 15 rebounds, and 18 assists in a 126–120 loss against theOklahoma City Thunder, tyingLarry Bird for ninth on the all-time career triple-double list.[222] Four days later, Dončić recorded the 60th triple-double of his career with 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 147–97 victory over theUtah Jazz. During the first half, Dončić scored 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking the first 25-point triple-double in NBA history entering halftime. This mark also broke a tie with Bird for ninth place on the all-time career triple-doubles list.[223] On December 11, Dončić put up 35 points in a 120–113 victory over theMemphis Grizzlies. He became the second-fastest player in NBA history to achieve 1,000 made career three-pointers, trailingBuddy Hield and doing so in 351 games. Dončić also became the youngest player in NBA history to achieve 1,000 career three-pointers, doing so at 24 years and 287 days old.[224] On December 16, Dončić had a triple-double with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 131–120 victory overPortland Trail Blazers. He passedWilt Chamberlain for fourth on the all-time 40-point triple-doubles list. Chamberlain had seven career games where he posted a 40-point triple-double, and now Dončić has eight such games.[225] On December 25, Dončić put up 50 points, 15 assists, six rebounds, and four steals in a 128–114 victory over thePhoenix Suns. He reached 10,000 career points in the same game.[226] Dončić became the sixth player to reach 10,000 career regular-season points before turning 25, joiningLeBron James,Kevin Durant,Kobe Bryant,Carmelo Anthony andTracy McGrady. Dončić tiedBob McAdoo for reaching 10,000 points in the seventh-fewest games in NBA history. He is the quickest player to reach 10,000 points among active players as of 2023 with 358 games. This is the fastest since Michael Jordan. Dončić is also tied for the third-most points for Christmas Day games, behindBernard King and Wilt Chamberlain.[227][228]
On January 25, 2024, Dončić was named aWestern Conference starter for the2024 NBA All-Star Game, marking his fifth consecutive selection and his fourth selection as a starter.[229] The next day, Dončić became the fourth player in league history to put up72 or more points in a game and became the first player ever to score at least 70 points while shooting 75% or better from the field in a 148–143 victory over theAtlanta Hawks, finishing with a career-high 73 points (shooting 25-of-33 overall, with eight three-pointers made), setting a new franchise record, and with it being the most efficient 70-plus-point game in history.[230][231][232] This marked the most points scored in a single game by any player sinceKobe Bryant scored 81 points on January 22, 2006.[233] Dončić's 33 field goal attempts were fewest field goal attempts needed to reach 70 points.[234][235] His 41 points in the first half also set a Mavericks franchise record for the most points in any half, surpassing the previous record set byDirk Nowitzki in December 2009.[236] On January 27, Dončić recorded a triple-double with 28 points, 17 assists and 10 rebounds to become the first player in NBA history to average a 50-point triple-double over a two game span.[237][238] Two days later in a 131–129 victory over theOrlando Magic, Dončić became the seventh youngest player to record 3,000 assists, and joined LeBron James as the only two players in NBA history to reach 10,000 points, 3,000 rebounds and 3,000 assists before turning 25 years old.[239]
On March 4, Dončić was awarded the Western ConferencePlayer of the Month award for his play during the month of February, the fourth of his career.[240] On March 9, Dončić recorded 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 142–124 victory over theDetroit Pistons. He became the first player to record six consecutive 30-point triple-doubles in NBA history.[241] On April 2, Dončić was awarded the Western Conference Player of the Month award for his play during the month of March, the fifth of his career. It marked the second time in Dončić's career that he averaged a 30-point triple-double during any calendar month. The only other players in NBA history to average a 30-point triple-double in a month areOscar Robertson (5 times) andRussell Westbrook (twice).[242] Dončić also became the first player in franchise history to earn the monthly award in consecutive months and joined Dirk Nowitzki as the only Mavericks to receive the honor twice in the same season.[243] On April 9, Dončić put up a triple-double with 39 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 130–104 win over theCharlotte Hornets, tyingJames Harden for eighth on the all-time career triple-double list. Dončić also surpassedMark Aguirre's previous record of 2,330 points, for the most points scored in a season by a player in franchise history.[244] Dončić finished the regular season as the first European to lead the NBA in scoring and the second international player to achieve the feat. Dončić finished the season's MVP race in third place.[245] He was selected to his fifth All-NBA First Team, joining Kevin Durant andTim Duncan as the only players with five All-NBA First Team selections before their 26th birthday, and also joinedLarry Bird,George Gervin and Duncan as the only players to earn five-or-more All-NBA First Team selections within their first six seasons since the ABA–NBA merger.[246] Dončić finished third in MVP voting behindNikola Jokić andShai Gilgeous-Alexander.[247]
On May 15, 2024, in Game 5 of theWestern Conference Semifinals against theOklahoma City Thunder, Dončić delivered his sixth career playoff triple-double of 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 104–92 victory.[248] In Game 6, Dončić logged his fourth triple-double of the2024 playoffs with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 117–116 victory, thus sending the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals.[249] In Game 2 of theWestern Conference Finals against theMinnesota Timberwolves on May 24, Dončić recorded a triple-double of 32 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists, and a game-winning three-pointer with three seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, in a 109–108 victory.[250] In Game 5, Dončić put up 36 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Mavericks to defeat the Timberwolves, 124–103, and secure the Mavericks' thirdNBA Finals appearance in franchise history. He would also win theWestern Conference finals MVP.[251] Dončić became the sixth player in NBA history after Tim Duncan,Jason Kidd, LeBron James,Nikola Jokić andJayson Tatum to lead their team in points, rebounds, and assists while reaching theNBA Finals.[252]
In Game 1 of the2024 NBA Finals against theBoston Celtics, Dončić scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 107–89 loss. He became just the first player since Tim Duncan in 1999 to record a 30-point double-double in his first Finals game.[253] In Game 2, Dončić became the first player in Dallas franchise history to record a triple-double in a Finals game. He finished with 32 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and four steals in a 105–98 loss. It was his 10th career playoff triple-double.[254] In Game 3, he fouled out in the game with over four minutes remaining in the game.[255] Dallas would go on to lose the Finals to Boston in five games despite Dončić's 28-point, 12-rebound, 5-assist and 3-steal outing in the 106–88 close-out loss in Game 5.[256][257] He also finished the postseason as the leader in total points (635), rebounds (208) and assists (178), becoming the second player in NBA history to finish as the playoff leader in all three of those categories since Nikola Jokić pulled off the feat in the2023 NBA playoffs.[258]
Final season with the Mavericks (2024–25)
On December 7, 2024, Dončić put up a triple-double with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 125–118 win over theToronto Raptors. He also surpassedWilt Chamberlain andJames Harden for seventh on the all-time career triple-double list.[259] On December 16, Dončić posted his 80th career triple-double with a season-high 45 points (28 points in the first half), along with 11 rebounds and 13 assists in a 145–133 win over theGolden State Warriors.[260] In a loss against Minnesota on December 25, he left the game with a strained calf, which was expected to sideline him for at least a month.[261]
On February 2, 2025, Dončić wastraded, alongsideMaxi Kleber andMarkieff Morris, to theLos Angeles Lakers in exchange forMax Christie,Anthony Davis and a 2029 first-round pick. The Lakers also tradedJalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round pick to theUtah Jazz, who also acquired a 2025 second-round pick from the Mavericks.[262] The trade was regarded as one of the most significant and unexpected in NBA history, marking the first time two reigning All-NBA players were traded for each other midseason.[263][264][265] The trade also put Dončić with his childhood idol,LeBron James. The Mavericks, who initiated the deal, drew heavy criticism for trading theirfranchise player, while Mavericks general managerNico Harrison defended the trade, stating, "I believe thatdefense wins championships".[266] Dončić on the other hand was blindsided by the trade; he was not told of it until the deal was done, according to Harrison.[267]
At the time of the trade, Dončić had not played sinceChristmas Day as he had been sidelined with a calf strain.[261] He recovered from his injury and made his Laker debut on February 10 against theUtah Jazz, scoring 14 points in 24 minutes as the Lakers won 132–113.[268] On February 25, Dončić put up his first triple-double as a Laker with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 107–99 win over his former team, theDallas Mavericks.[269] On March 4, Dončić recorded 30 points and 15 assists 136–115 win over theNew Orleans Pelicans. He became only the fourth player in Lakers history to post those totals in a single game afterLeBron James,Magic Johnson andJerry West.[270] Dončić made his emotional return to Dallas on April 9, where he was honored with a pregame video tribute and was met with cheers from the crowd throughout the game.[271] He matched his season-high with 45 points in a 112–97 win over the Mavericks, joiningWilt Chamberlain as the second player in NBA history to score at least 45 points both for and against the same team in the same season.[272]
Dončić made his playoff debut as a Laker on April 19, in Game 1 of the first round against theMinnesota Timberwolves, scoring 37 points, along with eight rebounds, in a losing effort.[273] Dončić would then record 31 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists in a 94–85 Game 2 win, the lone Los Angeles victory.[274] Following a 38-point outing in a Game 4 loss on April 27, his 28-point, 7-rebound, 9-assist performance in Game 5 three days later, despite suffering a lower back injury in the second quarter and proceeding to play through the ailment, was not enough as the Lakers fell 103–96 and Minnesota closed out the series 4–1, eliminating the Lakers.[275][276]
2025–26 season
On August 2, 2025, Dončić and the Lakers agreed to a three-year, $165 million contract extension.[277] On October 21, in his first game of the2025–26 season, Dončić logged a near triple-double with 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in a 119–109 loss to theGolden State Warriors.[278] Three days later, he recorded 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in a 128–110 win over theMinnesota Timberwolves. He became the first Lakers player to record consecutive 40-point games to start a season. With 92 points, Dončić also set a new record for the most consecutive point totals in a season's first two games, surpassingJerry West (81 points).[279][280] On October 31, Dončić posted 44 points, 12 rebounds and six assists for the Lakers in a 117–112 win over theMemphis Grizzlies. With that performance, he became the second player in NBA history to start a season with three consecutive games of at least 40 points, joiningWilt Chamberlain.[281]
National team career
Junior national team
Dončić was set to play at the Division B tournament of the2014 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship but was forced to withdraw from the tournament with a knee injury. In December 2014, he participated in afriendly tournament inSzékesfehérvár, Hungary, averaging 35.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 81 percent on two-pointers and 57 percent onthree-pointers.[33]
On September 22, 2016, Dončić announced that he would represent the senior men'sSlovenian national team for the rest of his career.[282] Dončić was previously linked with several other national teams, includingSerbia andSpain.[283] His national teamroommate becameGoran Dragić, whom he met at age seven and has been cited as his mentor and friend.[284]
Dončić was a Slovenian squad member forEuroBasket 2017, where his country won its first gold medal after going undefeated (9–0) in the tournament.[285] In Slovenia's 103–97 victory overLatvia in thequarterfinals, he scored 27 points and grabbed nine rebounds.[286] Dončić recorded 11 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, in the 92–72 semifinal win over Spain.[287] In the final, Slovenia won by a score of 93–85 over Serbia. He had eight points and seven rebounds, before falling out of the game, due to an injury, in the game's third quarter.[288] Dončić was also named to the competition'sAll-Tournament Team, joining teammate Goran Dragić, who was voted theEuroBasket MVP.[289]
2020 Summer Olympics
During the2020 FIBA Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament inKaunas, Lithuania, Dončić led Slovenia to its first-everOlympic berth. He won MVP of the tournament by leading Slovenia to a 96–85 victory overLithuania while recording 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists in the final round.[290]
In his Olympic debut on July 26, 2021, Dončić scored 48 points in a 118–100 victory overArgentina.[291] His 48-point performance tied for the second-highest men's point total in a single game in Summer Olympics history and marked the most in amen's basketball debut.[292] In the semifinal matchup versusFrance, Dončić posted the third triple-double in Olympic men's basketball history with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 18 assists in a 90–89 loss.[293] It also ended his 17-match winning streak from the senior national team debut back in 2017.[294] Slovenia ended up losing thebronze medal match versusAustralia 107–93.[295] For his play during the tournament, Dončić was selected to the FIBA All-Star Five team, joiningPatty Mills,Ricky Rubio,Kevin Durant, andRudy Gobert as the five best players at the games.[296]
EuroBasket 2022
During thetournament's group stage, Dončić scored 47 points as he led Slovenia to the Round of 16 with an 88–82 victory over France, claiming the top spot in Group B. His 47-point performance was the second-highest scoring total in EuroBasket history. It was the most points scored by any player in EuroBasket history in the last 65 years.[297] On September 10, Dončić scored 35 points while beatingBelgium 88–72 to advance to the quarterfinals. The game marked his third consecutive game scoring 30-plus points, becoming the first player in tournament history in 30 years to do so.[298] Slovenia was eventually upset byPoland 90–87 in the quarterfinals.[299]
2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
During the2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Dončić joined the exclusive 200-point club. He became one of only 11 players to do so in a single World Cup campaign, as Dončić led all scorers with 27.0 points to go along with 7.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.5 steals per game.[300] Slovenia finished the tournament at seventh place beating Italy 89–85 with Dončić leading both sides in points, rebounds and assists. In recognition of his individual play, Dončić was named to theWorld Cup All-Tournament Team.[301]
2024 Summer Olympics, qualification loss
In the qualifying rounds for theParis 2024 Olympic Games, Dončić led Slovenia once again. On July 4, had a triple-double of 36 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 104–78 win overNew Zealand.[302] Slovenia, however, did not qualify for the Olympics, after losing toGreece 96–68, and therefore missing out on the final phase.[303] He led the qualifing tournament in scoring with 27.7 points per game, was second in rebounds with 9.7 rebounds per game, and second in assists with an average of 8.3.[304]
2025 EuroBasket
Dončić captained Slovenia atEuroBasket 2025. In the opening game of the group phase, he had 34 points, 9 assists and 5 steals in a 95–105 loss toPoland, becoming the first player in EuroBasket history to record 30+ points, 5+ assists and 5+ steals in a game.[305] In the second game, Dončić’s had a triple-double to lead his team to a 86–69 victory overBelgium, as he scored 26 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and delivered 11 assists. It was only the fourth triple-double at EuroBasket since1995.[306] With the game, he also became the youngest player (26 years and 184 days) to reach 400 EuroBasket points, surpassingTony Parker's feat in 2007 (25 years, 122 days).[306] On 4 September, he scored 37 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and had 9 assists in a 106–96 win overIceland to finish the group phase. By doing so, he surpassedGoran Dragić as Slovenia's all-time leading scorer in international competitions, finishing the game with 1,100 total points.[307] In the round of 16, Slovenia beat Italy 84–77 behind Dončić's 42 points.[308] On 11 September, Dončić scored 39 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and gave 9 assists in the 91–99 quarterfinal loss toGermany, in which Slovenia was eliminated. He set a new all-time record for most points in a EuroBasket quarterfinal.[309] Dončić was named to the All-Star Five of the tournament after leading all players in scoring with an average of 34.7 points per game, along with 8.6 rebounds and 7.1 assists.[310][311]
Player profile
"[Dončić is] incredible with the ball for a big guy. He's unbelievable inpick and roll play. His court vision is already unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I saw from a 19/20-year-old. He's a good shooter when he has time and I think he's going to be great for [theDallas Mavericks] for a long, long time... I could shoot a little bit but I never had the court vision... the savviness that he brings to the game... He's going to pick defenses apart and it's going to be fun to watch."
— Mavericks all-time great and teammateDirk Nowitzki on Dončić before the 2018–19 NBA season.[312]
Since his early years with Real Madrid, Dončić was tabbed as one of Europe's premier talents, with Spanish newspaperMarca giving him the nickname "El Niño Maravilla" (The Wonder Boy).[33] Entering the 2018 NBA draft, Dončić was widely seen as one of the best and most accomplished European prospects of his generation.[319]Slam magazine considered Dončić the "best international prospect ever,"[11] and sports websiteSB Nation called him "most accomplished NBA prospect in decades."[320][questionable NBA source] An anonymous NBA veteran scouting executive said that Dončić's game was "leap years above anyone" in his draft class.[321]
Dončić is versatile on the offensive end, displaying proficiency in shooting three-pointers, mid-rangejump shots,floaters, and shots in the post.[322] His basketball IQ, intangibles, and skills have been considered his primary assets, and Dončić is seen as an elite facilitator, especially on thepick and roll.[321] NBA and EuroLeague coachEttore Messina called Dončić "phenomenal, especially mentally" for his age.[323] His lack of lateral quickness to stay in front of most NBA point guards and wings has been labeled one of his main flaws.[324][325][326] Dallas Mavericks head coachRick Carlisle refuted some of the worries regarding Dončić's athleticism, stating that "for a 19-year-old, he's got a really unusual combination of size, speed, and deceptive quickness."[327] By his second year, Dončić's ability to accelerate off a pick and blow by defenders to get to the basket was seen as one of his strengths.[328] Given the false characterisation of Dončić's abilities and his subsequent success in the NBA, some speculate that prejudicedstereotyping had a role in his negative pre-draft evaluation.[329][330][331]
Before his draft, basketball journalist and scout Austin Green compared Dončić to NBA playersPaul Pierce andJoe Johnson.[332] Dončić compared himself toBen Simmons due to his versatility.[333] In his second season, Los Angeles Clippers coachDoc Rivers, when asked about Dončić, stated that "there's a lot of people in him." He likened Dončić's stepback three-pointers toJames Harden, his passing ability toLarry Bird, and his court vision toLeBron James.[334] NBA analystKendrick Perkins called Dončić "baby LeBron" due to his overall skill and dominance on the court.[335][questionable NBA source]
In December 2019, San Antonio Spurs coachGregg Popovich called Dončić's playing style "Magic Johnson-like" because "he sees the floor in that same way."[336] In August 2020, head coachRick Carlisle compared Dončić's playmaking and court vision to Larry Bird andJason Kidd.[337]Milwaukee Bucks forwardGiannis Antetokounmpo called Dončić "one of the most talented guys I've ever played against."[338] During his first career playoff game against theLos Angeles Clippers, TV analyst and former point guardMark Jackson, reiterated his view of Dončić, calling him "an absolute combination of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird."[339]
In January 2024, former basketball player and Dallas Mavericks head coachJason Kidd stated about Dončić that "he's better than Dirk [Nowitzki]" and that "he's in the atmosphere of [Michael Jordan], the best to ever do it, LeBron [James], Kobe [Bryant]".[340]
BrokeJason Kidd's Mavericks franchise record (21) of most triple-doubles with 22 in just 122 NBA games.[342]
Youngest player in NBA history to lead the league outright in triple-doubles (21 years, 168 days old). Previously held byMagic Johnson.[343]
Twenty straight games with at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, the most since the1976–77 ABA–NBAmerger. Previously held byMichael Jordan with 18 consecutive games.[344]
hit a playoff buzzer-beater at 21 years and 177 days old.[375]
Combined (regular season and playoffs)
Most games with 30+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a single season (regular season and playoffs), with 55.[376]
Personal life
In July 2023, Dončić got engaged to his longtime girlfriend Anamaria Goltes.[377] On December 1, 2023, their daughter was born.[378][379]
Dončić can speak four languages: Slovenian, Serbian, English, and Spanish.[380] He learned Spanish after joining Real Madrid.[381]
In 2017, while playing at Real Madrid, Dončić signed a two-year deal withNike.[382] In December 2019, it was announced that he had signed a multi-year endorsement deal withAir Jordan including a signature shoe, the Jordan Luka 1.[383][384][385] On July 14, 2021, it was announced that Dončić would be the cover athlete forNBA 2K22, the 23rd installment in theNBA 2K video game series.[386] In 2023 he inked a 6 year deal with Jordan, solidifying the continuation of his Jordan Luka line.[385]
Dončić's 2018–19Panini National Treasures basketball card sold for $4.6 million dollars in 2021.[387]
Sports journalistMina Kimes profiled Dončić in April 2018, writing that he is a gamer and enjoys playing video game franchises, such asCall of Duty,FIFA, andOverwatch.[333][388] Dončić's skill in the latter has been particularly noted, having reached the "Grandmaster" tier in competitive play in March 2023,[389] and later becoming a top 500 player in thetank role inOverwatch 2.[390] In 2018, he was noted as playingGenji andHanzo,[388] and as a tank player, Dončić plays asZarya.[389] In 2025, he collaborated with Overwatch ahead of their second season with an advertising campaign featuring Dončić as the heroCassidy, as well as exclusive in-game rewards.[391]
^ab"Nuša Šenk zmešala košarkarja Saša Dončiča" [Nusa Senk captivated basketball player Sasa Doncic] (in Slovenian). lifestyle.enaa.com. September 18, 2008.Archived from the original on February 3, 2017. RetrievedFebruary 2, 2017.
^Završnik, Jurij (December 25, 2015)."Španski potni list?" [Spanish passport?] (in Slovenian).Ekipa.Archived from the original on March 23, 2022. RetrievedFebruary 2, 2017.
^Luka Doncic: The Future Is Now (Video). The Insider EuroLeague Documentary Series.EuroLeague. March 14, 2018. 22 minutes in.Archived from the original on March 15, 2018. RetrievedJanuary 3, 2019.
^Reyes, Luis Alberto (November 29, 2015)."Doncic reclama su sitio (92–99)" (in Spanish). 24segundosenblanco.Archived from the original on October 15, 2018. RetrievedOctober 14, 2018.
^milestones, Luka Doncic continued his dominant EuroBasket run, joining an elite group with multiple 40-point games and setting new Slovenian scoring."Luka Doncic Makes EuroBasket History with Another 42-Point Game".beIN SPORTS. RetrievedSeptember 11, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
_(cropped1).jpg)
_(cropped).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
