Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic continued his torrid start to the season, scoring 53 points in a 124-118 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
Doncic is the first Laker to reach the 40-point plateau in four consecutive games since Kobe Bryant in 2012. He's scored at least 40 in six games overall in the young 2026-27 campaign.
"I'm having a lot of fun," Doncic said. "Obviously, playing basketball, it's a lot of fun for me. It's more when you play like this and when you win games."
LUKA'S GOT 51 POINTS 🚨 LAKERS LEAD IN THE FINAL MINUTE ON PRIME! https://t.co/070ErBOSFs
— NBA (@NBA) November 7, 2026
The six-time All-Star dropped 20 points in the third quarter, outscoring the entire Blazers team by five during the frame.
Luka Doncic in 3Q: 20 PTS Trail Blazers in 3Q: 15 PTS️ https://t.co/lruD3LvCoz
— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) November 7, 2026
Doncic is now averaging 40.1 points per game. The 27-year-old's 363 points are the most through nine games of an NBA season since Wilt Chamberlain in 1962.
It's Doncic's fourth 50-point game as a Laker. He's now tied for fourth in franchise history, passing LeBron James. His 11th career 50-point contest ranks 10th in NBA history, tied with Allen Iverson.
The 53-point night represents a season-high for Doncic as well. The two-time scoring champ put up 52 earlier this season against the Utah Jazz.
The Lakers improve to 8-2 with the victory. They are now 1-1 in NBA Cup play.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers drop to 6-2 in their first contest of the in-season tournament.
Deni Avdija and Damian Lillard each scored 22 in the loss. Avdija came tantalizingly close to a triple-double, adding 11 assists and nine rebounds.
