Austin Reaves predicted Luka Doncic’s 40-point scoring tear over a year before Lakers star delivered

Austin Reaves appears to have known exactly what Luka Doncic was capable of, with a prediction he made more than a year ago resurfacing as the Lakers star enjoys a remarkable start to the 2026-27 NBA season.

Doncic is averaging 40.1 points through his first 10 games, helping Los Angeles move to an 8-2 record and the top of the Western Conference.

The six-time All-Star has been particularly impressive over his last four outings, scoring 45, 42, 40 and 53 points as the Lakers recorded four consecutive wins.

Austin Reaves predicted Luka Doncic could average 40 points for Los Angeles Lakers

ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin recently brought attention to an old article featuring Reaves' prediction that Doncic could average 40 points per game while still helping the Lakers win.

At the time, Doncic had already shown what he could produce offensively, recording 91 points across two games to average 45.5, although Los Angeles split those contests.

Reaves' prediction now looks remarkably accurate, with Doncic leading the league in scoring while the Lakers continue to win.

His efficiency has also been impressive. Doncic is shooting 49.8 per cent from the field and 41.9 per cent from three-point range, both career-high figures.

The Slovenian is contributing beyond scoring, too, averaging 7.8 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game.

His dominance is reflected across several other statistical categories. Doncic leads the NBA in field goals made and attempted, three-pointers made and attempted, as well as free throws made and attempted.

He is currently making 12.2 field goals from 24.6 attempts per game, alongside 5.8 three-pointers from 13.8 attempts and 9.9 free throws from 11.3 attempts.

However, the Lakers could face a concern ahead of their next outing against the Detroit Pistons. Doncic was listed as questionable on the front end of a back-to-back, potentially leaving Los Angeles without its leading scorer as it looks to extend its four-game winning streak.