LOS ANGELES — In a season that reaffirmed his place among the NBA’s elite, Luka Doncic has once again etched his name alongside basketball royalty. The Los Angeles Lakers star was named to the All-NBA First Team for the sixth time in his career on Sunday, becoming just the fifth player in NBA history to achieve that distinction by age 27.
Doncic joins an exclusive quartet of Hall of Famers — Tim Duncan (7 selections), LeBron James (6), Oscar Robertson (6), and Bob Pettit (6) — as the only players to reach six or more All-NBA First Team honors before turning 28. The Slovenian guard’s latest selection underscores a level of sustained excellence rarely seen at such a young age.
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This season, Doncic delivered a dominant performance, leading the entire NBA in scoring at 33.5 points per game while ranking third in assists (8.3) and sixth in steals (1.6). He earned 91 First Team votes and nine Second Team votes for a total of 482 points, finishing behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama in the voting.
The honor carries extra weight following a challenging previous campaign. Last year, Doncic missed All-NBA recognition for the first time since his rookie season after falling short of the 65-game eligibility threshold due to injuries. His return to the First Team in 2025-26 highlights both his resilience and remarkable consistency.
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At just 27 years old, Doncic now matches the total number of All-NBA First Team selections of stars like Kevin Durant, Hakeem Olajuwon, James Harden, George Mikan, and Elvin Hayes. He sits one selection behind Wilt Chamberlain and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and two behind Shaquille O’Neal. He is also one of only 22 players in NBA history to earn six First Team nods.
Building a Championship Core Around a Superstar
The timing of Doncic’s latest accolade is particularly significant for the Lakers organization. Fresh off a second-round playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles is committed to constructing a roster tailored specifically to their franchise cornerstone.
“The archetype of the roster that we want is going to be retrofitted around Luka and the things he needs,” Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka stated. “Clearly, he’s that leader and that player for the future that we want to build the right way around.”
Pelinka emphasized the need for athletic bigs and versatile 3-and-D wings — the exact supporting cast that helped Doncic reach the NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks in 2024 alongside players like Dereck Lively, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, and Derrick Jones Jr.
With nearly $50 million in projected cap space even after re-signing Austin Reaves, the Lakers possess the financial flexibility to execute a meaningful retooling this offseason. Pelinka described the process as “a full rebuild and retool,” focused on elevating the current foundation to championship-contending levels.
While Doncic is expected to spend much of his summer training in Slovenia, the Lakers plan to remain in close communication as they reshape the supporting cast around their MVP-caliber leader.
A New Chapter in Lakers History
Doncic’s continued ascent validates the bold move to acquire him and positions the Lakers for a promising future. As one of the five best players in the league, his presence demands a roster built for winning at the highest level. With elite production, proven leadership, and a clear vision from the front office, Los Angeles appears poised to enter a new competitive era centered on their Slovenian superstar.
For a franchise with 17 championships in its storied history, the message is clear: the Luka Doncic era is officially underway.