Luka Doncic breaks records with the Lakers but can’t avoid stumble against Phoenix

Luka Doncic is living a stellar moment with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Slovenian guard powered the team’s seven-game winning streak, averaging 35.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.6 assists. His impact is so strong that every game feels like a show.

Against the Phoenix Suns, Luka Doncic kept the pace, chasing an eighth straight win. In the opening quarter, the 6-foot-8 guard set the arena on fire with 20 points on just 11 shots. That performance proved his arrival in Los Angeles was worth the investment.

A trade that changed everything

Luka Doncic is in his first full season with the Lakers after the blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks. Los Angeles gave up Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick to secure the star. Today, no one doubts the move was worth every piece.

The game against Phoenix confirmed it, even in defeat. Luka Doncic climbed the franchise list for most 20-point quarters, now trailing only Kobe Bryant. The NBA celebrated the feat on social media, noting he passed Davis and joined names like LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma.

20 IN THE 1ST FOR LUKA MAGIC ✨

PHX-LAL is tied at 31 after the 1st frame.

Watch on Peacock: https://t.co/M9UiAmIx5U pic.twitter.com/sS5n0kFCNN

— NBA (@NBA) December 2, 2025

A record with legendary flavor

Luka Doncic has five 20-point quarters in his Lakers run, still far from Bryant’s 36. Yet the comparison shows the scale of what he’s achieving in such a short time.

Outlets like Athlonsports highlighted how Luka Doncic is the spark the franchise needed. It’s not just about numbers or stats—it’s about the energy he brings every night.

Setback and redemption ahead

The Lakers’ night against the Suns told another story. Luka Doncic finished with 38 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Still, those numbers weren’t enough to prevent a 125-108 loss. His nine turnovers hurt, though his effort was undeniable.

Luka Dončić now sits only behind Kobe Bryant for the second-most 20-point quarters in franchise history during the play-by-play era (since 1997–98).

Kobe Bryant (36x)
Luka Dončić (5x)
Anthony Davis (4x)
LeBron James (4x)
Kyle Kuzma (4x) https://t.co/UdZitR4Kyy pic.twitter.com/CkdzaB0ZUf

— NBA (@NBA) December 2, 2025

Now Luka Doncic and the Lakers get two days off before facing the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics on the road. The challenge is to bounce back and keep writing chapters that bring him closer to Kobe’s greatness.