Luka Doncic Is Getting a Kobe Comparison. Here’s Why

Luka Doncic is putting up numbers that are getting difficult to explain. Forty-two points, 13 assists and seven rebounds in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 138-117 win over the Miami Heat is another remarkable night’s work. But it’s what Kendrick Perkins said afterward that might interest basketball fans even more.

Perkins compared Doncic to Kobe Bryant, calling him the closest thing to Kobe among today’s young players. He was careful to make an important distinction, though. He wasn’t talking about how they play the game. He was talking about their mentality. That’s quite a compliment.

Bryant built his reputation on an almost relentless desire to compete, score and take responsibility when a game was on the line. Doncic has a different style, but there’s something familiar about the confidence. He wants the ball, he wants to make the play, and he doesn’t seem particularly bothered by the size of the moment. And right now, he’s making an awful lot of those moments count.

Doncic’s Mentality Is Bringing Back Memories of Kobe

Doncic is averaging 38.3 points per game as the Lakers have opened the season 6-2. He’s averaged 43.4 points over his last five games, including a 45-point performance against Toronto and the 42 against Miami. Those aren’t just impressive numbers. They’re the sort of numbers that make people start looking through the history books.

The Lakers also pointed out that Doncic has recorded 31 games with at least 40 points, 10 assists and five rebounds before turning 28. Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James and Nikola Jokic combined for 23 such performances at the same age. That’s some great company to be keeping.

Of course, comparisons with Bryant can get carried away quickly. Kobe was Kobe, and Doncic doesn’t need to become another version of him. He’s developing his own place in the game.