Luka Dončić facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Luka Dončić

Dončić at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game
No. 77 – Los Angeles Lakers
Point guard / shooting guard
Personal information
Born	(1999-02-28) February 28, 1999 (age 26) Ljubljana, Slovenia
Listed height	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight	230 lb (104 kg)
Career information
NBA Draft	2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
Pro career	2015–present
League	NBA
Career history
2015–2018	Real Madrid
2018–2025	Dallas Mavericks
2025–present	Los Angeles Lakers
Career highlights and awards
5× NBA All-Star (2020–2024) 5× All-NBA First Team (2020–2024) NBA Rookie of the Year (2019) NBA All-Rookie First Team (2019) NBA scoring champion (2024) EuroLeague champion (2018) EuroLeague MVP (2018) EuroLeague Final Four MVP (2018) All-EuroLeague First Team (2018) 2× EuroLeague Rising Star (2017, 2018) EuroLeague 2010–2020 All-Decade Team (2020) EuroLeague 25th Anniversary Team (2025) Euroscar Player of the Year (2019) 3× Liga ACB champion (2015, 2016, 2018) Liga ACB MVP (2018) All-Liga ACB First Team (2018) 2× ACB Best Young Player (2017, 2018) 3× ACB All-Young Players Team (2016–2018) 2× Spanish King's Cup winner (2016, 2017) FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (2015) EB Next Generation Tournament champion (2015) EB Next Generation Tournament MVP (2015) Slovenian Sportsman of the Year (2018)
Medals Men's basketball Representing  Slovenia EuroBasket Gold 2017 Turkey

Luka Dončić (born February 28, 1999) is a professional basketball player from Slovenia. He plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Many people think he is one of the best European players ever. He is even called Luka Magic!

Since he started in the NBA, Luka has been chosen for five NBA All-Star games. He was also picked for the All-NBA First Team five times. Before joining the NBA, he played for Real Madrid in Europe. He helped his country, Slovenia, win its first EuroBasket title in 2017. He also led Real Madrid to a EuroLeague championship in 2018.

In 2018, Luka was picked third in the 2018 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He was then traded to the Dallas Mavericks. He won the Rookie of the Year award in his first season. In the 2023–24 season, he was the top scorer in the NBA. He was the first European player to do this! Luka also led the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals that season.

In February 2025, Luka was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. This was a very big and surprising trade in sports history.

Early Life and Basketball Beginnings

Luka Dončić was born in Ljubljana, Slovenia. His mom, Mirjam Poterbin, owned beauty salons. His dad, Saša Dončić, was a basketball coach and player. Luka's parents divorced in 2008, and his mom got custody.

Luka first touched a basketball when he was just seven months old! By age one, he often played with a small hoop in his room. He played many sports as a kid, including football, but he stopped because he grew too tall. At seven, Luka started playing organized basketball in Ljubljana. He often played against kids who were much older, sometimes up to 10 years old. He said, "I always trained and played with older kids. Many were bigger and faster, so I had to beat them with my brain." Luka looked up to Greek basketball player Vassilis Spanoulis and American player LeBron James. He even wore number 7 at Real Madrid because of Spanoulis.

Youth Basketball Journey

Playing for Union Olimpija

When Luka was eight, his dad played for Union Olimpija. A coach invited Luka to practice with kids his age. After only 16 minutes, the coaches moved him to the 11-year-old group! He mostly practiced with Olimpija's under-14 team. But because of league rules, he could only play for the under-12 team. He played against opponents who were three or four years older. Luka loved practicing so much that he would ask to go even when his coach told him to stay home.

In 2011, Luka was named the best player (MVP) at the under-14 Vasas Intesa Sanpaolo Cup in Hungary. In 2012, he played for Real Madrid in a Spanish under-14 competition called the Minicopa Endesa. He won MVP there too, helping Real Madrid finish second. In April 2012, he was MVP and top scorer at the under-13 Lido di Roma Tournament. In one game, he scored 54 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists!

Joining Real Madrid's Youth Academy

Dončić after a youth game with Real Madrid in May 2014

In September 2012, when he was 13, Luka signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid. He quickly stood out on the under-16 team. He moved to Madrid and lived with other young athletes. In February 2013, he led Real Madrid to win the Minicopa Endesa again, earning another MVP award. In March, he was named MVP of the under-16 Spain Championship.

In the 2014–15 season, Luka mostly played for Real Madrid's under-18 and reserve teams. He helped the reserve team win their league. In January 2015, he won the under-18 Ciutat de L'Hospitalet Tournament. He was chosen for the All-Tournament Team, even though he was two years younger than most players. In May 2015, Luka won the under-18 Next Generation Tournament and was named MVP.

Professional Basketball Career

Starting with Real Madrid (2015–2018)

Early Years and Growth

On April 30, 2015, Luka played his first professional game for Real Madrid in the Liga ACB. He was only 16 years old, making him the youngest player ever to play for Real Madrid in that league. He was the third-youngest player to debut in the league's history.

In the 2015–16 season, Luka became a regular player for Real Madrid's main team. He played against the Boston Celtics in an NBA preseason game. In October 2015, he played his first EuroLeague game. He became one of the youngest players ever to debut in the EuroLeague before turning 17. He set new records for points and performance for players under 17 in the ACB league.

Becoming a Star Player

Dončić with Real Madrid in 2017

Luka started the 2016–17 season strong. In December 2016, he had 23 points and 11 assists in a game, earning his first ACB player of the week award. He was also named MVP of the Round in the EuroLeague, becoming the youngest player to do so. He won this award again in January 2017. He was named EuroLeague Rising Star by everyone and won the ACB Best Young Player award.

MVP Season in Europe

Luka took on a bigger role in the 2017–18 season. He scored a career-high 27 points in his first EuroLeague game of the season. He was named EuroLeague MVP of the Round twice in October. By the end of October, he won EuroLeague MVP of the Month honors, becoming the youngest player to win it. In December, he scored 33 points against Olympiacos Piraeus. He also led Real Madrid to a win over the defending EuroLeague champions.

Dončić playing against Anadolu Efes in 2017

(left) with Real Madrid; (right) guarded by Josh Adams

On May 9, 2018, Luka had his first triple-double in the ACB league. A triple-double means getting double-digit numbers in three different stats, like points, rebounds, and assists. On May 20, he led Real Madrid to win the EuroLeague championship. He was named EuroLeague Final Four MVP and also won the EuroLeague MVP award, becoming its youngest winner. He was also named the ACB Best Young Player and MVP. Luka left Real Madrid on June 29, 2018.

Dallas Mavericks (2018–2025)

Rookie of the Year Season

Dončić in 2018

On June 21, 2018, the Atlanta Hawks picked Luka third in the 2018 NBA draft. But then, they traded him to the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks' coach, Rick Carlisle, was very excited, calling Luka a "franchise foundation piece." Luka signed his first NBA contract on July 9, 2018.

Luka played his first regular-season NBA game on October 17, 2018. He scored 26 points in a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, becoming the youngest player in Mavericks history to score 20 points in a game. On October 29, he scored 31 points, his first 30-point game in the NBA. He was named NBA Rookie of the Month for November and December 2018.

On January 21, 2019, Luka got his first NBA triple-double. He was the third-youngest player in NBA history to do this. A few days later, he scored 35 points and got his second triple-double. He was the first teenager in NBA history with a 30-point triple-double. Luka was chosen to play in the Rising Stars Challenge during the 2019 NBA All-Star Game. He finished his rookie season averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. In May, he was picked for the All-Rookie First Team. In June, he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award. He was the second European player to win this award.

First All-Star and Playoff Games

Luka got his first triple-double of the 2019–20 season on October 25, 2019. On November 18, he scored a career-high 42 points and got his sixth triple-double of the season. He made NBA history on November 20, becoming the youngest player to have 35-point triple-doubles in a row. He was named NBA Western Conference Player of the Week and later NBA Western Conference Player of the Month.

In the 2019–20 season, Luka was chosen as a starter for his first 2020 NBA All-Star Game. He was the youngest European player to start in an All-Star game. On March 4, he got his 22nd career triple-double, passing Jason Kidd for the most in Mavericks history. He finished the season as the youngest player to lead the NBA in triple-doubles. On August 17, Luka made his NBA playoffs debut, scoring 42 points. This was the most points ever in an NBA playoff debut! On August 23, he became the youngest player in NBA playoff history with a 40-point triple-double. He scored 43 points, including a game-winning shot at the buzzer! On September 16, Luka was named to the All-NBA First Team.

Leading the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals

Dončić shooting a free throw in 2021

On February 12, 2021, Luka scored a career-high 46 points in a win against the New Orleans Pelicans. On May 1, he had 31 points, 12 rebounds, and a career-high 20 assists. He was only the fourth player in NBA history to get a 30-point triple-double with at least 20 assists. On May 7, Luka reached 5,000 career points. He was the fourth-youngest player to do this. On June 15, he was selected to his second All-NBA First Team.

Dončić in 2021

On August 10, 2021, Luka signed a huge contract extension with the Mavericks. On February 10, 2022, he scored a career-high 51 points against the Los Angeles Clippers. He scored 28 of those points in the first quarter! On February 18, he scored 49 points. He was named Western Conference Player of the Week for his amazing performances. On March 3, he won his second NBA Western Conference Player of the Month award.

Luka missed the first three playoff games in 2022 due to an injury. But he came back and led the Mavericks to win their first-round series. This was the first time Dallas had moved past the first round in Luka's career. On May 15, Luka scored 35 points and 10 rebounds in a Game 7 win, sending the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals! On May 24, he was selected to his third All-NBA First Team.

Setting Records and Scoring Titles

On October 27, 2022, Luka had a triple-double with 41 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. This was his 22nd career 30-point triple-double, passing Wilt Chamberlain for fifth most in NBA history. On October 30, he scored 44 points, becoming the first player in NBA history to have over 200 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists in the first six games of a season. He also became the first player since Michael Jordan in 1986–87 to score at least 30 points in each of the first six games of a season.

On December 27, 2022, Luka set a career high with 60 points and 21 rebounds! He also had 10 assists. He was the first player in NBA history to record a 60-point, 20-rebound triple-double. His 60 points were the most ever scored in Mavericks history. On December 31, he scored 51 points. He became the first player in NBA history to have over 250 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists in a five-game stretch.

On January 25, 2024, Luka was named a starter for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, his fifth time being selected. The next day, he scored a career-high 73 points in a win against the Atlanta Hawks! This was the most points scored in a single game by any player since Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in 2006. It also set a new Mavericks franchise record.

On March 9, 2024, Luka had 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. He became the first player to record six straight 30-point triple-doubles in NBA history. Luka finished the 2023–24 regular season as the NBA's top scorer. He was the first European player to lead the league in scoring. He was selected to his fifth All-NBA First Team.

In the 2024 playoffs, Luka continued to shine. He had his sixth career playoff triple-double on May 15, 2024. In Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, he hit a game-winning three-pointer with three seconds left! He led the Mavericks to their third NBA Finals appearance in franchise history and won the Western Conference finals MVP award. In the NBA Finals, he became the first player in Dallas history to record a triple-double in a Finals game.

Los Angeles Lakers (2025–present)

On February 2, 2025, Luka was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. This trade was a huge surprise in the NBA. It was the first time two current All-NBA players were traded for each other in the middle of a season. This trade also meant Luka would play with his childhood idol, LeBron James.

Luka had been out with a calf injury since Christmas Day. He recovered and played his first game for the Lakers on February 10, 2025. On February 25, he got his first triple-double as a Laker against his old team, the Dallas Mavericks. On March 4, he had 30 points and 15 assists. He was only the fourth player in Lakers history to reach those numbers in a single game. On April 9, Luka returned to Dallas and was cheered by the crowd. He scored 45 points in a win against the Mavericks.

Luka made his playoff debut as a Laker on April 19, 2025. He scored 37 points in Game 1. Despite his strong play, the Lakers lost their series 4-1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Playing for His Country

Slovenian National Team Debut

Dončić (front) during EuroBasket 2017

On September 22, 2016, Luka announced he would play for the Slovenian national team. His teammate and mentor became Goran Dragić, whom he had known since he was seven.

Luka was part of the Slovenian team for EuroBasket 2017. His country won its first gold medal, going undefeated! In the quarterfinals, he scored 27 points. In the final, Slovenia beat Serbia. Luka was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Olympic Games Experience

Luka led Slovenia to its first-ever Olympic basketball appearance in 2021. He won MVP of the qualifying tournament. In his Olympic debut on July 26, 2021, Luka scored 48 points against Argentina. This was one of the highest scores ever in a men's Olympic basketball game! In the semifinal, he got the third triple-double in Olympic men's basketball history. Slovenia finished fourth, losing the bronze medal game. Luka was chosen for the FIBA All-Star Five team.

Recent International Play

During EuroBasket 2022, Luka scored 47 points against France. This was the second-highest score in EuroBasket history! He scored 30-plus points in three straight games, a first in 30 years for the tournament. Slovenia lost in the quarterfinals.

In the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Luka scored over 200 points, joining an exclusive group of players. He led all scorers with 27.0 points per game. Slovenia finished seventh, and Luka was named to the World Cup All-Tournament Team.

In the qualifying rounds for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Slovenia did not qualify after losing to Greece.

Luka's Playing Style

Luka Dončić is often called a "position-less guard." This means he can play like a point guard, shooting guard, or even a small forward. He is 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 230 pounds, which is big and strong for a guard. People praise his "point forward ability," meaning he can handle the ball and pass like a point guard, but with the size of a bigger player.

Since he was young, Luka was known as a huge talent in Europe. Spanish newspapers called him "El Niño Maravilla" (The Wonder Boy). Before the 2018 NBA draft, many thought he was the best European player to come along in a long time.

Luka is great at offense. He can shoot three-pointers, mid-range shots, and floaters. He is also good at playing close to the basket. His basketball smarts and skills are his biggest strengths. He is an amazing passer, especially when running the pick and roll play. Some people worried about his speed, but his coach said he has a "really unusual combination of size, speed, and deceptive quickness."

Many people compare Luka to other famous NBA players. Before his draft, some compared him to Paul Pierce and Joe Johnson. Luka himself compared his all-around game to Ben Simmons. Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers said Luka has "a lot of people in him." He compared Luka's step-back three-pointers to James Harden, his passing to Larry Bird, and his court vision to LeBron James. NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins even called him "baby LeBron."

In December 2019, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Luka's playing style was "Magic Johnson-like" because he sees the court so well. In August 2020, coach Rick Carlisle compared Luka's playmaking to Larry Bird and Jason Kidd. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo called Luka "one of the most talented guys I've ever played against."

Career Statistics

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

EuroLeague

Liga ACB

Cited from ACB.com

Slovenia

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	PIR
FIBA Basketball World Cup
2023	Slovenia	8	8	32.2	.427	.324	.772	7.1	6.1	2.5	.4	27.0	26.0
Olympics
2020	Slovenia	6	6	32.7	.449	.304	.714	9.7	9.5	1.2	1.0	23.8	29.2
EuroBasket
2017	Slovenia	9	9	29.1	.406	.311	.848	8.1	3.6	.9	.3	14.3	18.7
2022	Slovenia	7	7	33.2	.496	.322	.702	7.7	6.6	2.0	.6	26.0	27.1

NBA Achievements and Records

Regular Season Records

• Broke Jason Kidd's Mavericks record for most triple-doubles (21) with 22 in just 122 NBA games.
• Youngest player in NBA history to lead the league in triple-doubles (21 years, 168 days old).
• Had 20 straight games with at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. This is the most since the 1976–77 ABA–NBA merger.
• First player since Tim Duncan to be selected to the All-NBA First Team in his first or second season.
• First player to lead his team in points, rebounds, and assists in each of the first three games of a season.
• Second-fewest games played to get 35 career triple-doubles (190).
• Third-fewest games played to reach 4,000 career points since the ABA–NBA merger.
• First player in NBA history to record:

* A 60-point, 20-rebound triple-double (60 points, 21 rebounds, 10 assists). * Over 225 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists in a five-game stretch. * A 50-point triple-double average over a two-game stretch. * A 30-point triple-double (35 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) as a teenager. * Two triple-doubles before turning 20 years old. * A 35-point triple-double in a game with 26 minutes or less played. * Multiple 30-point triple-doubles in games with 30 minutes or less played. * Multiple 40-point triple-doubles before turning 21 years old. * Over 200 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists through the first six games of a season. * A 25-point triple-double by halftime (29 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists). * Six consecutive 30-point triple-doubles. * Five consecutive 35-point triple-doubles.

• Second player in NBA history to:

* Score 30 or more points in the first eight games of a season (Wilt Chamberlain).

• Third player in NBA history to:

* Record multiple 30-point triple-doubles through the first three games of a season.

• Fifth player in NBA history to average:

* A 30-point triple-double in a ten-game stretch.

• Youngest player in NBA history to record:

* Three triple-doubles. * 35-point triple-doubles in a row, breaking Oscar Robertson's record. * 1,000 career 3-pointers (24 years, 286 days old).

Playoff Records

• NBA record 42 points in an NBA playoff debut.
• First player in NBA history to:

* Record multiple 30-point triple-doubles at age 22 or younger. * Record over 250 points, 70 rebounds, and 70 assists through his first eight career playoff games. * Record two triple-doubles with a game-winning three-pointer in the final five seconds in an NBA playoff game. * Record at least 150 rebounds, 150 assists, and 50 3-point field goals in a single postseason. * Lead the playoffs in points, rebounds, and assists before the NBA Finals. * Lead the playoffs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.

• Second player in NBA history to record:

* 70 total points in his first two career playoff games. * Two triple-doubles in his first four career playoff games. * Over 40 points and 14 assists in a playoff game.

• Third player in NBA history to record:

* Over 300 points through his first nine career playoff games.

• Fourth player in NBA history to record:

* Over 600 points, 150 rebounds, and 150 assists in a single postseason.

• Fifth player in NBA history to:

* Have 40 points and hit a buzzer-beater in a playoff game. * Average at least 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists in a playoff series.

• Sixth player in NBA history to:

* Lead his team in points, rebounds, and assists while reaching the NBA Finals.

• Youngest player in NBA history to:

* Hit a playoff buzzer-beater at 21 years and 177 days old.

Combined (Regular Season and Playoffs)

• Most games with 30+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a single season (regular season and playoffs), with 55.

Personal Life

In July 2023, Luka Dončić got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Anamaria Goltes. Their daughter was born on December 1, 2023.

Luka can speak four languages: Slovenian, Serbian, English, and Spanish. He learned Spanish after moving to Real Madrid.

In 2017, Luka signed a deal with Nike. In December 2019, he signed a big endorsement deal with Air Jordan, which included his own signature shoe, the Jordan Luka 1. In 2021, Luka was the cover athlete for NBA 2K22, a popular basketball video game. In 2023, he signed a 6-year deal with Jordan to continue his shoe line.

Luka's 2018–19 basketball card sold for $4.6 million in 2021!

Luka is also a big gamer. He enjoys playing video games like Call of Duty, FIFA, and Overwatch. He is very skilled at Overwatch, even reaching a high rank in the game.

See also

In Spanish: Luka Dončić para niños

• List of NBA career triple-double leaders
• List of NBA career playoff triple-double leaders
• List of NBA single-game scoring leaders
• List of NBA single-season scoring leaders
• List of NBA single-season 3-point scoring leaders
• List of youngest EuroLeague players
• List of European basketball players in the United States