Giannis: Doncic 'One of the Best Scorers Ever, If Not the Best'

Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped a massive truth bomb about his fellow superstar, claiming Luka Doncic might be the best scorer to ever play the game. Speaking after the Lakers' 138-117 win over the Miami Heat, the New York Post reported ^[1] that Antetokounmpo said, "Obviously he’s one of the best scorers to ever play this game, if not the best."

When pressed by a reporter to clarify if he meant currently, Antetokounmpo doubled down. "Not right now," he said, according to ESPN ^[2]. "Of all-time. I feel like some people are scared to say that. But it’s got to be out there. He’s also an elite passer."

The praise followed a volcanic performance from Doncic, who scored 42 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished 13 assists. This was his fourth 40-point game in the last five outings, keeping his league-leading scoring average at 38.3 points per game. Antetokounmpo, who posted 30 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists for Milwaukee, emphasized that Doncic’s impact goes beyond just putting the ball in the hoop.

"Is he an MVP-caliber player?" Antetokounmpo asked, as noted by the New York Post ^[1]. "I think, no doubt. He’s been up there. He’s definitely up there this year. Like, what he’s doing is incredible. And not only that, but his team is winning, and their offense is good, everybody is being involved, they’re in a good place right now."

The sentiment is backed by cold, hard numbers. ESPN highlighted ^[2] that Doncic’s career scoring average of 29.32 points trails only Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. His ability to handle double-teams was on full display, with the Lakers scoring on six of seven possessions where Doncic was blitzed. "It just feels almost anything he shoots... just seems like everything he's shooting is going to go in," teammate Quentin Grimes told ESPN.

Doncic, now on pace for his third career scoring title, has never finished in the top two for MVP despite leading the league in scoring twice. With the Lakers improving to 6-2 and moving into fourth place in the Western Conference, the argument for Doncic’s case is gaining serious traction. As Antetokounmpo put it, a guy averaging 38 points while his team wins is definitely in the MVP discussion.