Luka Doncic scored 40 points, his sixth straight game with at least 35, as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings 116-103 on Wednesday. He became the first player in 38 years, since Michael Jordan, to surpass 300 points in his first eight games of a season.
Doncic has played in eight of Los Angeles’ first nine games and has scored 308 points. He is the first player to top 300 in his first eight games of a season since Jordan had 303 in 1988-89.
The only player who has scored more points in his first eight games of a season is Wilt Chamberlain, who did it three times, with a high of 418 points in his first eight games in 1962-63.
Lakers secure seventh win in nine games
Doncic put together another impressive scoring performance, making six three-pointers and 12 of 13 free throws to lead the Lakers to their seventh win in nine games this season. He also grabbed nine rebounds and dished out seven assists.
Austin Reaves added 21 points for the Lakers.
Fan removed after incident with official
Doncic was also involved in an incident that led to a spectator being removed from his seat near the baseline. It came late in the third quarter, after a ball went out of bounds.
The fan threw the ball aggressively at official Chelisa Painter. Doncic immediately pointed at the fan and appeared to say something to him. Security then came over and removed the fan.
Kings struggle to build momentum
The Kings could not build on their first win of the season, which came on Monday at Dallas, and fell to 1-7. They have lost all three of their home games.
Rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr led the way for Sacramento with 22 points and 12 assists. Zach LaVine scored 21, and Domantas Sabonis recorded 16 points and 17 rebounds.