Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic offered measured optimism when asked if he could eclipse Bam Adebayo’s stunning 83-point performance for the Miami Heat.
Adebayo erupted for 83 points on Tuesday night, March 10, 2026, powering Miami to a 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center in Miami. The center went 20-for-43 from the field and set an NBA single-game record by hitting 36 of 43 free throws, becoming the league’s second-highest single-game scorer behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100.
“That was very special,” Doncic said after the Lakers’ practice. “Eighty-three is not bad—very special—so congratulations to him. For me, I don’t know. Maybe it can happen, maybe not.”
Doncic’s Own Scoring Feats
The 27-year-old guard is widely viewed as one of the few players capable of matching such numbers. While with the Dallas Mavericks in 2024, Doncic poured in 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks, shooting 25-of-33 overall, 8-of-13 from deep and 15-of-16 at the line in a five-point victory. He also owns a 60-point outing, further cementing his reputation as an explosive scorer when his team needs every basket.
Late-Game Strategy Draws Attention
Some observers questioned Miami’s decision to intentionally foul in the closing minutes Tuesday to create extra possessions for Adebayo. Despite the tactic, the 26-year-old still had to convert each attempt to surpass Kobe Bryant’s 81-point benchmark set in 2006. The performance places Adebayo firmly in NBA history alongside Bryant and Chamberlain.
Whether Doncic will someday top the new mark remains uncertain, but the four-time All-NBA guard remains among the most likely candidates the next time a scoring record is threatened.
Source: LakersNation.com
