Just four seasons into the NBA, Luka Doncic is leading the Dallas Mavericks. The young Slovenian has been impressing the league since his debut, recently achieving a feat no one ever has. Even LeBron James, who had played almost four seasons in the league when he turned 23, did not achieve this.
Doncic has broken multiple records as he continues to elevate his game, drawing comparisons to the likes of James and Steph Curry. While James remains one of the best rookies of all time, Doncic leading the Mavericks to the playoffs in his second year has been unexpected for many. While the team is yet to reach the second round, Doncic’s effort is commendable.
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Luka Doncic achieves a feat even LeBron James was unable to
As per reports, Doncic scored at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists for 62 career games. Which makes it the most of such games a player has played before their 23rd birthday. Doncic will turn 23 next year in February. The 2019 Rookie of the Year achieved this feat after he dropped 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists against the Houston Rockets.
Luka Doncic last night:
✅ 26 PTS
✅ 14 REB
✅ 7 ASTDoncic has 62 career games in which he's recorded at least 20p/10r/5a, the most such games in NBA history by a player before his 23rd birthday. pic.twitter.com/LprKbXGTiJ
— Justin Kubatko (@jkubatko) October 27, 2021
The Mavericks eventually ended up winning by 116-106.
A look at James and Doncic’s careers
Looking at James‘ early years in the NBA, the 35-year-old started his career in 2003 when he was 19. By the time he turned 23, the Akron-native was already in the league for almost 4 seasons.
James played with the Cleveland Cavaliers till 2010, moving to the Miami Heat for four seasons. The NBA icon has secured four NBA titles in his career and is now hoping to win more with the Los Angeles Lakers. Doncic, who has only made it to the playoffs’ Round 1, and hence it looks like he has a long way to go before he wins a title with the Mavericks.
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However, even the Lakers seem to be struggling a little as the 2021-22 season gains momentum, with James scoring 26 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Doncic, on his end, is averaging 23.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists. One can also note that throughout his career, Doncic has always averaged close to a triple-double.
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With James entering the tail end of his career, many have considered Doncic amongst the few youngsters who will shape up the league over the years.
The Mavericks and Lakers will face each other on December 15, 8:30 PM EST at the American Airlines Center in Texas.