Luka Doncic's Teammate Makes Honest Admission on Lakers Superstar Blowing Past Michael Jordan's 37-Year-Old Record 

Marcus Smart has expressed the utmost confidence in his teammate Luka Doncic’s scoring ability and believes he can blow past one of Michael Jordan’s legendary records. Doncic returned to action for the Lakers game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.

He had missed the previous three games with a finger injury, but didn’t lose a step, recording 44 points on his return. After the game, reporters asked Smart if Doncic could average 40 points per game. He answered with a stellar endorsement for the star guard’s scoring ability:

“I don’t see why not.”

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Marcus Smart on if Luka can averaged 40: "I don't see why not."

If Doncic can achieve such a feat, he will surpass a 37-year-old record set by six-time champion Michael Jordan. He averaged 37 ppg during the 1986-87 season, which is the highest scoring average recorded by a guard in NBA history.

Doncic has come close to this record before. Playing for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2023-24 season, he averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists and 9.2 rebounds in 70 games. He is also on pace to set a new record this season, averaging 45.3 points through three games.

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Luka Doncic makes NBA history after returning from a 3-game absence

According to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell, Luka Doncic’s performance on Friday has put him in elite company next to Wilt Chamberlain. The Lakers’ star guard is only the second player in league history to open an NBA season with three consecutive 40-point games. Chamberlain achieved this feat during the 1961-62 season.

Doncic finished Friday’s game with 44 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in 39 minutes of action. The Lakers have improved to 4-2 for the season and are on a two-game winning streak.

Fans have been looking forward to Doncic’s performance this season ever since the Dallas Mavericks traded him in 2024-25. So far, he has set the standard for scoring with three straight 40-point outings.

While Luka Doncic has the skill to match Jordan’s legendary campaign from 1986, much will depend on how his usage changes after LeBron James joins the team.

James has been sidelined as he is suffering from sciatica and is not expected to return before mid-November. The Lakers, meanwhile, will return to action on Sunday against the Miami Heat.