{"id":135086,"date":"2025-04-18T13:04:41","date_gmt":"2025-04-18T17:04:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=135086"},"modified":"2025-04-18T13:04:41","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T17:04:41","slug":"luka-doncic-set-to-resume-his-favourite-rivalry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/04\/18\/luka-doncic-set-to-resume-his-favourite-rivalry\/","title":{"rendered":"Luka Don\u010di\u0107 Set To Resume His Favourite Rivalry"},"content":{"rendered":"

Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/a> lives for big moments and bigger matchups. The NBA Playoffs will again deliver both. On Saturday, Don\u010di\u0107 and the Los Angeles Lakers will begin their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a>. But for Don\u010di\u0107, this isn’t just another playoff clash. It’s a continuation of Luka Don\u010di\u0107’s favorite rivalry \u2014 a personal and professional battle with Rudy Gobert.<\/a><\/p>\n

Luka Don\u010di\u0107 Set To Resume His Favourite Rivalry With Gobert<\/h2>\n

Don\u010di\u0107 Still Remembers That Shot<\/h3>\n

A few weeks ago, Dallas honored Don\u010di\u0107 with a tribute video during his return. One clip stood out to him: his game-winner over Gobert in the 2024 Western Conference Finals. That step-back three symbolized more than just a victory. It showcased Don\u010di\u0107\u2019s control over a long-standing matchup he never forgot.<\/p>\n

Don\u010di\u0107 admitted that he loves the pick-and-roll. He thrives on drawing centers into switches and breaking them down. \u201cI like to get a center on me,\u201d he said<\/a> this week. Few matchups bring him more joy than Gobert \u2014 a four-time Defensive Player of the Year \u2014 switched onto him at the perimeter.<\/p>\n

Why Gobert Brings Out Luka Don\u010di\u0107\u2019s Best<\/h3>\n

Lakers coach JJ Redick explained the intensity behind this rivalry. \u201cHe thinks there\u2019s not a person alive who can guard him,\u201d Redick said<\/a>. That confidence fuels Don\u010di\u0107 every time he sees Gobert.<\/p>\n

Gobert\u2019s elite defensive resume only raises the stakes. Don\u010di\u0107 knows that targeting Gobert is more than strategy. It\u2019s a statement.<\/p>\n

This Lakers-Timberwolves series feels much tighter than a normal 3 vs. 6 matchup. Minnesota finished with 49 wins, just one behind the Lakers. They closed the regular season with a 17-4 run. Still, Don\u010di\u0107 knows how to take over. He has done it before \u2014 especially when Gobert is the target.<\/p>\n

Their History Runs Deep<\/h3>\n

This rivalry didn\u2019t begin in the NBA. It started internationally<\/a>, during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics<\/a>. Slovenia, led by Don\u010di\u0107, faced France in the semifinals. Gobert anchored the French defense and helped eliminate Slovenia. That loss denied Don\u010di\u0107 a shot at Olympic gold.<\/p>\n

The defeat stung. Don\u010di\u0107 had dominated international basketball. That game changed everything. France ended Slovenia\u2019s dream run, and Gobert stood in the middle of it all.<\/p>\n

Three years later, Don\u010di\u0107 got his chance to return the favor.<\/p>\n

Don\u010di\u0107 Strikes Back In 2024<\/h3>\n

During the 2024 Western Conference Finals, Don\u010di\u0107 relentlessly attacked Gobert. He used every pick-and-roll to pull Gobert away from the basket. Then he went to work.<\/p>\n

Don\u010di\u0107 knew exactly what he was doing. Gobert\u2019s slower feet and size made him vulnerable on the perimeter. Luka exploited that edge over and over again.<\/p>\n

The defining moment came in Game 2. Dallas trailed by 18. Don\u010di\u0107 led the comeback. With seconds remaining, he hit a step-back three right in Gobert\u2019s face. Then he barked, \u201cMotherf\u2014er, you can\u2019t f\u2014ing guard me!\u201d<\/p>\n