Luka Dončić’s rapid rise to superstardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. In just his first seven seasons, the Dallas Mavericks’ star has already cemented his place in the NBA’s elite by achieving remarkable statistics. Most notably, he now holds the top spot for the most games with a stat line of 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists within his first seven seasons. This achievement has propelled him to the forefront of basketball discussions, with many seeing him as one of the future faces of the league. However, as impressive as Dončić’s numbers are, it is his place in the context of NBA history that truly elevates his feat.
When we talk about the GOATs (Greatest of All Time) in the NBA, names like Michael Jordan and LeBron James naturally come to mind. It’s incredible to think that despite their legendary careers, both Jordan and LeBron only occupy the second and third spots in this statistical category, respectively. Their place in the hierarchy of NBA greatness is secured by their championships, MVPs, and iconic moments, but Dončić’s early-career numbers suggest that his trajectory could potentially rival or even surpass that of these all-time greats if he continues on this path.
To understand just how significant Dončić’s achievement is, we need to break down what it takes to put up a line of 35/5/5. These are not just flashy numbers, but they represent a rare combination of scoring, playmaking, and rebounding. The 35 points demonstrate an offensive arsenal capable of consistently dominating games, whether it’s through step-back threes, off-the-dribble shots, or finishing around the basket. The 5 rebounds reflect Dončić’s ability to impact the game beyond just scoring, showing his hustle and positioning in the paint, while the 5 assists are indicative of his court vision and playmaking prowess—he is just as likely to create a play for others as he is to score himself.
When looking at the historical context, what sets Dončić apart is the age at which he’s doing it. Most players, even the legends of the game, don’t begin to hit these types of numbers until later in their careers, when they’ve already been established stars for several years. Dončić, however, is achieving this feat at the start of his career, which puts him on pace to potentially break several longstanding records and make a serious case for being among the greatest to ever play the game. For reference, Dončić has reached this milestone faster than both LeBron and Michael Jordan, whose peaks came later in their careers. In fact, for a while, LeBron was noted for his ability to post elite stat lines while also remaining efficient, but Luka seems to be able to combine this efficiency with an incredible basketball IQ that makes his game more versatile.
While Dončić has a long way to go before being considered in the same breath as LeBron or MJ, his early-career performances have already put him in a rarefied air. His ability to carry the Mavericks, often single-handedly, through key games and clutch moments shows that his greatness isn’t just a product of regular-season statistics, but also an indication of his potential to lead a team to championship contention. Given his composure under pressure, his high basketball IQ, and his elite-level scoring and passing, Dončić has shown that he is more than capable of stepping up in big moments, something that both LeBron and Jordan have done throughout their careers.
The comparison between Dončić and the GOATs should also take into account the overall context of the NBA during their respective eras. Jordan played in a much more physical league where defenses were less restricted, and LeBron played in an era with an emphasis on athleticism and pace. Dončić, on the other hand, plays in a much different environment, where the three-point shot is more integral to team success, and the game’s pace is faster, opening up new avenues for offensive players. What makes Luka’s numbers even more impressive is his ability to adapt to this new style of play while still maintaining efficiency and effectiveness.
Another significant aspect of Dončić’s early career is the way he impacts his team. While he certainly benefits from a strong supporting cast, including players like Kristaps Porzingis (during their time together), Dončić is often the focal point of the Mavericks’ offense. His ability to elevate the play of his teammates while maintaining his own high output is a testament to his leadership and skill. While both Jordan and LeBron were also known for making their teammates better, Dončić’s ability to take over games with both his scoring and playmaking bodes well for his long-term potential.
Ultimately, Luka Dončić’s position as the player with the most games putting up 35/5/5 in his first seven seasons underscores just how unique and special his talents are. While it’s still early to make definitive comparisons to LeBron and MJ, the fact that Dončić has already surpassed these legendary players in this particular statistical category speaks volumes about his future in the NBA. If he continues on this trajectory, we could be witnessing the rise of a new NBA legend.
