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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 10: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a dunk during the second half of the basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on November 10, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

On Friday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Indiana Pacers (at home).

The Lakers are without LeBron James and Deandre Ayton, so Luka Doncic has to carry a bigger load during the contest.

He got off to an incredible start with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal while shooting 7/9 from the field and 5/5 from three-point range in his first 12 minutes of playing time.

Luka Made NBA History Against Pacers

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 20: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)

In addition to his strong performance, Doncic also made NBA history.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote: “With Luka Doncic’s 22 points in the 1st quarter tonight, he’s scored 20+ points in the 1st Q five times this season, the most by any player in a season since play-by-play was first tracked in 1996-97 (via @StatsWilliams)”

GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 10: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a dunk during the second half of the basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on November 10, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

Doncic came into play with averages of 32.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.4 steals per contest while shooting 47.3% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range in 50 games.

He is in his eighth NBA season (and second with the Lakers).

Underdog NBA wrote: “Most 20+ point first quarters this season: Luka Doncic – 5 Jalen Brunson – 2 Jamal Murray – 2 9 others – 1 Luka dropped 22 in Q1 tonight.”

GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 27: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives Luka Doncic #77 against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Doncic And The Lakers

GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 06: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives the ball around Karlo Matkovic #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on January 06, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Doncic helped the Lakers finish as the third seed in the Western Conference last season.

That said, they lost to Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs (in five games).

Right now, Los Angeles is the sixth seed with 37-25 record in 62 games.

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first half of their game against the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena on February 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)

Doncic will have to be careful and not get another technical foul on Friday.

Brad Turner of the LA Times wrote (on March 5): “Luka Doncic was just given a technical foul, giving him 15 on the season and meaning if he gets one more he will be suspended for 1 game for reaching the 16-tech threshold.”

Luka Doncic was just given a technical foul, giving him 15 on the season and meaning if he gets one more he will be suspended for 1 game for reaching the 16-tech threshold.

The Lakers will host Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks on Sunday in California.

Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. 

He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar

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