Luka Doncic has set the NBA alight, producing rookie numbers we haven't seen since LeBron James.
MORE: Running diary of the great rookie season for Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks
After dropping 21 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists in yesterday's 122-119 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Slovenian sensation was just one rebound short of becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.
According to Basketball Reference, it was the third time in five games that Doncic recorded a stat line only achieved by James among NBA teenagers (via ESPN) and despite the difference in their playing styles, the numbers and immediate impact of James and Doncic as rookies is undeniable.
"I mean, it's amazing," Doncic said of the comparisons to James. "You all know that he's my idol, so it's just amazing to be there.
"That's special, special to me. ... I see what they say, so it's like even more and more energy to work harder to be a better player."
As the Mavericks transition out of the Dirk Nowitzki era, Doncic looks set to carry on as the franchise cornerstone for many years to come and Nowitzki believes the 19-year-old is more than ready to take on that role.
"I say it all the time: He's playing more like a multiyear veteran than a 19-year-old rookie," Nowitzki said. "He's made a name for himself. Any time you're known by just your first name after just a few months in the league, that's a great sign."
So far this season Doncic is averaging 19 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists through 32 games, numbers which look very similar to James' rookie campaign numbers of 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists.
Can Doncic keep it up and win Rookie of the Year as well? So far he's leading the pack and he doesn't look like slowing down anytime soon.