While LeBron James is out, it has become painfully clear that Luka Doncic is going to have to play out of this world for the Lakers to have a chance.

Luka is one of four in NBA history to score 43 points during his opening game of the year. He is grouped in with Wilt Chamberlain, Walt Bellamy, and Jalen Rose. Only a handful of active NBA players are ahead, such as Ja Morant, James Harden, Jaylen Brown, Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points, Stephen Curry added 23 and the Golden State Warriors overcame Luka Doncic’s 43-point performance to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 119-109 on Tuesday night in both teams' season opener.

For what it's worth, Nowitzki was not alone in his take. Fellow Mavs legend Steve Nash also named Doncic when asked about his MVP prediction, while sports reporter Taylor Rooks had the same thoughts and mentioned how she was impressed by the Slovenian star's conditioning during the offseason.

The first full season of Luka Doncic begins in L.A. as the Lakers square off against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

Luka Doncic was nearly flawless in the Los Angeles Lakers' season opener against the Golden State Warriors, finishing with 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists on 63% shooting from the floor. So how did he end up with an unwanted spot in the history books?

Luka Doncic may get a real shot at winning his first MVP award if the Lakers win at a high enough rate this season.

A bombshell trade saw Anthony Davis move to Dallas for Luka Doncic, shocking the NBA. LeBron James learned of the deal via a group chat message from h

Luka Doncic ’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers shook the entire NBA, with the longtime Dallas Mavericks hero arriving in LA back in February this year. The Lakers acquired Dončić (plus Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris), while Dallas received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.