Lakers’ Luka Doncic Receives Unique Honor From NBA GMs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 1:47 PM ET

Luka Doncic has been one of the best players in the NBA since he joined the league for the 2018-19 season. The Los Angeles Lakers star was drafted third overall in the 2018 NBA Draft and played his first six full years in the league with the Dallas Mavericks before he was traded to the Lakers in February.

In his career, Doncic has played in five All-Star Games, had five First Team All-NBA selections, won the Rookie of the Year award and won one scoring title. In 450 career games, Doncic has averaged 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Doncic has been a ball handler for most of his career, but he may be playing a different role with the Lakers this season.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77).© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The results of the annual survey of NBA general managers across the league were published on Thursday. In this survey, the front office workers are asked a variety of questions about the upcoming season.

One question that was asked was, "Who is the best small forward in the NBA?" The player who received the most votes for this was Doncic, who had 40% of the votes. He was followed by Jayson Tatum (20%), Kevin Durant (17%), LeBron James (7%) and Kawhi Leonard (7%).

Throughout his career, Doncic has been listed as a guard, including the past six years, in which he was listed as a point guard. Because of this, the fact that the general managers around the NBA voted for Doncic as the league's best small forward is surprising.

With guards like Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent on the roster and James at small forward, it will be interesting to see who head coach JJ Redick lists at what positions on opening night. The Lakers will begin their regular season against the Golden State Warriors at crypto.com Arena at 10 p.m. ET on Oct. 21, which will air on NBC and Peacock.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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