Luka Doncic is off to a historic start to the 2025-26 NBA season following the Los Angeles Lakers' blowout win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
Doncic started the year with a bang, having 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists in the Lakers' season-opening loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. He responded once again, putting up 49 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists throughout 35 minutes of action. He shot 14-of-23 from the field, including 5-of-12 from beyond the arc, and 16-of-19 from the free-throw line.
The superstar forward made both franchise and league history with his first two performances of the season, per NBA insider Brett Siegel. His feats involved the likes of Anthony Davis, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain.
“With 40-plus points tonight, Luka Doncic has just become the first player in Lakers history to record back-to-back 40-point games to start a season. He is the fourth player in NBA history to do so (Anthony Davis, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain),” Siegel wrote.
LeBron James gives the thumbs up after Luka Doncic missed a free throw that would've gotten him to 50 😅 pic.twitter.com/Wu84l1fI7Q
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 25, 2025
How Luka Doncic, Lakers played against Timberwolves
It is only two games, and Luka Doncic is already making a strong case for MVP as he led the Lakers to their first win of the season against the Timberwolves.
Minnesota had the better start, leading 40-36 after the first quarter. It was all Los Angeles from there on, as the hosts outscored the visitors 92-70 in the last three quarters.
Free throws and fouls played firm roles in this matchup. The Lakers got the edge in both categories, making 26 free throws on 81.3% accuracy while limiting their fouls to 20. It wasn't the case for the Timberwolves, making 15 free throws on a 71.4% clip while committing 27 fouls.
Four players scored in double-digits for Los Angeles, including Doncic. Austin Reaves had a great display with 25 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. He shot 9-of-15 overall, including 2-of-5 from downtown, and 5-of-5 from the charity stripe. Rui Hachimura came next with 23 points and two rebounds, Deandre Ayton had 15 points and eight rebounds, while Jake LaRavia provided six points and a steal.
The Lakers will look forward to their next matchup, being on the road. They face the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 26 at 9 p.m. ET.
