Luka Doncic joins rare Los Angeles Lakers club – Kobe Bryant missed the cut

Luka Doncic made history in his first playoff appearance with the Los Angeles Lakers , accomplishing a feat even the legendary Kobe Bryant couldn’t match during his storied career with the franchise. The Slovenian star led the Lakers to a 94-85 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Playoffs first-round series, showcasing his seamless adaptation to coach J.J. Reddick’s system after his surprising trade from the Dallas Mavericks.

Luka Doncic delivers an all-around performance

Luka Doncic’s impact was felt across the board in Game 2:

- 31 points (close to his regular-season average of 28.2 PPG)

- 12 rebounds

- 9 assists

While his stat line was impressive, it was his scoring that etched his name into Los Angeles Lakers lore.

Doncic joins an exclusive Los Angeles Lakers playoff club

Already making history as a Laker#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/N25j0iS7yk

— LukaMuse (@LukaMuse__) April 23, 2025

With his 31-point outing, Doncic became just the third Los Angeles Lakers player ever to score 30+ points in each of his first two playoff games. Here’s how he stacks up against the other members of this elite group:

Player

Year

Opponent

Points (Game 1 & 2)



Notably, Kobe Bryant—despite his five championships and iconic Lakers career—never achieved this feat. In his first two playoff games in 1997, Bryant scored just eight points total while O’Neal dominated with 76 combined points against the Trail Blazers.

What this means for Doncic’s Lakers legacy

While Doncic has a long way to go to match Bryant’s championship pedigree, his explosive playoff start signals his potential to lead the Lakers deep into the postseason. Consistency in 30-point performances could propel him toward his first NBA title—a milestone that would further cement his place among Lakers greats.

For now, Doncic can savor this rare accomplishment, knowing he’s in a club even the "Black Mamba" never joined.

Key takeaways:

- Doncic is the third Laker ever with 30+ points in his first two playoff games.

- Kobe Bryant’s slow playoff start in 1997 contrasts sharply with Doncic’s immediate impact.

- Sustaining this level of play could elevate Doncic’s legacy in Los Angeles.

Luka Doncic’s historic start with the Los Angeles Lakers has already put him in elite company, ahead of even Kobe Bryant in one key playoff stat. But does this early success mean he’s on track to surpass Kobe Bryant’s legacy in Los Angeles? Or is it too soon to compare the Slovenian sensation to a five-time champion?

We want to hear from you: Can Doncic lead the Lakers to a title faster than Kobe did? Does this stat actually matter, or is it just an interesting footnote? Where does Doncic rank among the Lakers’ all-time greats if he keeps this up?

Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could sign $238 million Utah Jazz superstar to form Big 3 with LeBron James and Lukia Doncic

Drop your thoughts in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this breakdown, share it with fellow NBA fans to keep the debate going. Follow TOI NBA for more Lakers coverage and NBA insights.