If there is one man who is conquering the basketball world, it might just be Luka Doncic. The 23-year-old wonder kid of the Dallas Mavericks has made it a habit to go after the record books. Recently, he beat out Michael Jordan after an eight-game streak of scoring 30 points or more. Likewise, Doncic has asserted himself in the MVP conversation. However, the current leading scorer does much more than just put the ball through the hoop. Notably, after leaving His Airness behind, Luka Magic did the same with LeBron James.
After 19 years in the NBA, the King is arguably on course to beat the most celebrated record in NBA history this season. The Los Angeles Lakers forward is just over 1000 points away from the all-time scoring record held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for over three decades. James’s unreal consistency and durability has secured his name in most of the records. Even as a youngster, the 18-time All-Star was one of the brightest prospects.
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In just 311 games, the Akron Hammer joined Oscar Robertson as the second-quickest player to record 7000+ points, 2000+ rebounds, and the same number of assists. However, that was until Luka Doncic would change the way records look.
Luka Doncic beats out LeBron James in recent feat
Apart from having a bag full of tricks, Luka Doncic has an eye for sharing the basketball. Often filling up the stat sheet, the 23-year-old has already recorded 50 triple-doubles, the 10th most in the history of the game. The Slovenian superstar often pulls off the craziest passes while regularly scoring the ball and grabbing rebounds. Likewise, in just his fourth season, Doncic became the second-fastest player to reach 7k points, 2k rebounds, and 2k assists, beating out LeBron James.
He achieved the feat in just 280 games, falling only behind Hall of Famer, Oscar Roberston. To the uninitiated, it was another dent Doncic made in the history books in his young career. However, the basketball fanatics were left unimpressed by his achievement. Notably, they discounted his victory over the King calling him a ‘ball hog’. Here are some of the raections.
All he does is play iso ball. Being a teammate of his must be exhausting.
— Brandon Carroll (@BrandonJCarroll) November 24, 2022
Ballhog
— Nor’Easter Nate (@labry_de) November 24, 2022
Empty stats
— Mike Hancho (@Purochanclasos) November 24, 2022
Luka's usage rate is significantly higher than Oscar or Lebrons EVER was. Lukas last 3 seasons are higher than Lebrons career high and it's not close.
Luka straight up a ballhog.
— D (@FickDan) November 24, 2022
I can't stand all these arbitrary stats. "He's the 1st player to score 5 points on a Sunday while wearing red shoelaces in Madison Square garden."
— Sillad (@imjustsillad) November 24, 2022
I can't stand all these arbitrary stats. "He's the 1st player to score 5 points on a Sunday while wearing red shoelaces in Madison Square garden."
— Sillad (@imjustsillad) November 24, 2022
But what is the real reason behind fans being unimpressed with Doncic achieving another milestone?
Why Luka’s recent achievement isn’t as talked about
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There is no question about the unique ability that Doncic possesses. He is arguably one of the most complete players in the modern NBA. However, a major reason for his acquiring such a record is his historic usage rate. To put it into perspective, LeBron James‘ career-high usage rate was 33.7 in 2009, a mark Doncic surpassed in his second season. Moreover, Luka started this season with a usage rate of 39.14%, the third-highest in NBA history. Even Dallas Mavericks coach showed concern about his heavy involvement in games.
As the front and center of the Dallas offense, Doncic is often the one carrying the ball up the court. While he is a special talent, his franchise relies much on him to deliver on the offensive end. The numbers go to show just how much is asked from him every single night. The fact that the 23-year-old is able to deliver on the expectations makes him a freak of nature. But that is also a major reason for his recent feat.
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Do you think Doncic would beat the King if it wasn’t for a high usage rate? Let us know your views in the comments below.