Luka Dončić and Marcus Smart Emerge as Two of the NBA’s Early-Season Standouts

The first month of the 2025-26 NBA season has delivered outstanding individual performances across the league, and two Los Angeles Lakers players have positioned themselves near the top of several statistical categories: Luka Dončić and Marcus Smart. While Dončić has taken command of the scoring race, Smart has emerged as one of the most disruptive defenders in the NBA.

Luka Dončić leads the NBA in points per game

Dončić once again finds himself performing at an MVP-caliber level. Through the opening stretch of the season, he sits atop the NBA scoring leaderboard, averaging 34.4 points per game, comfortably ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who holds second place at 32.6.

However, in total points scored, Dončić currently ranks ninth, as several players have logged more games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads with 456 total points, placing him third in scoring average. Dončić, with 344 points to this point, falls slightly behind in cumulative totals while still dominating per-game production.

The Lakers’ superstar is also contributing significantly as a passer, posting 8.9 assists per game, the fifth-highest mark in the league. His 89 total assists further reflect his dual-threat role as both scorer and facilitator.

Marcus Smart emerges as a defensive force

Newly acquired guard Marcus Smart wasn’t projected to be an everyday starter when the season began. However, injuries to LeBron James and Gabe Vincent opened the door for a larger role — and Smart has delivered, especially on the defensive end.

He ranks third in the NBA in steals per game, averaging 2.2, just behind the two leaders at 2.3. In total steals, Smart has recorded 24 on the season, tying him for fourth place alongside Mikal Bridges, Jeremiah Fears, Ryan Rollins, and Derrick White — Smart’s former teammate in Boston.

He even notched seven steals in a single game, showcasing the aggressive defensive mentality that earned him multiple All-Defensive honors earlier in his career.

A strong early statement from the Lakers’ new core

While injuries have challenged Los Angeles early, the statistical production of Dončić and Smart serves as a clear sign that the revamped roster is finding rhythm and impact quickly. With LeBron James nearing his season debut, the Lakers appear to be gaining momentum at the right time.