Lakers star makes bold Luka Doncic declaration after he surpasses Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Walker Kessler called Luka Doncic the NBA’s best player after the Lakers beat the Atlanta Hawks 124-114. Doncic’s performance helped underline why he is central to the Lakers’ strong start, though Kessler’s praise came as his new pick-and-roll partner.

Doncic scored 32 points, with 10 assists, eight rebounds, five steals and two blocks, ending his run of 40-point games. He became the first Laker to record multiple games with at least 30 points, five assists, five steals and two blocks; Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar each did so once. The Lakers were 10-2 and top of the standings, while Doncic averaged a league-best 40.1 points per game.