Doncic’s Hot Start Includes a Remarkable Warmup Shot

Luka Doncic sent a corner shot soaring above the retired jerseys at Crypto.com Arena on November 6, a striking moment before the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The warmup attempt added to the attention around his strong opening stretch of the 2026-27 season.

Before the game, Doncic was averaging 38.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and eight assists, along with 1.8 steals. He had made 49.5% of his shots from the field and 43.1% of his three-point attempts.

The Lakers’ early success has coincided with Doncic’s production. His influence is described less through flashy shooting than through his tempo and his command of the team’s offense.

Despite those numbers, Doncic received no votes in a preseason MVP poll of NBA general managers. Los Angeles still has areas to improve, but continued progress from the team and its star could put the Lakers in contention later in the season.