Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic has taken on a major offensive role in LeBron James’ absence due to injury. Over four games since James suffered a groin injury, Doncic has put up averages of 30.3 points and 9.3 assists. Maintaining his impressive form, the five-time All-Star exploded for 21 first-quarter points against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. This 21-point outburst marked his highest-scoring quarter of the season and propelled the Lakers to a season-best 46-point opening frame (via Jovan Buha of The Athletic). If that wasn’t impressive enough, Doncic also etched his name in Lakers history during the first quarter of Wednesday’s game.

Doncic reached a milestone with his first three-pointer of the night, sinking his 50th shot from beyond the arc in a Lakers jersey. Achieving this feat in just 16 games, he set a franchise record as the fastest player to reach 50 made three-pointers.

“Luka Doncic becomes the fastest player in Lakers franchise history to record 50+ 3PM,” StatMamba posted on X. Doncic’s achievement added another accolade to his growing list of records.

Entering Wednesday, Doncic had already made 1,325 career three-pointers, ranking 38th among active players. Given that the Slovenian star is only in his seventh NBA season, he is on pace to climb the rankings quickly.

Since joining the Lakers, Doncic has maintained impressive averages of 26.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists over 15 games. The Lakers had a 10-5 record in those contests heading into Wednesday. With Denver and Los Angeles tied in the loss column, the game carried significant playoff implications. Missing Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets struggled early as Doncic helped the Lakers build a commanding 46-29 lead by the end of the first quarter.