Mar 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts to a play during the third quarter against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic Receives Strong Characterization From Clippers Guard

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 7:05 AM ET

If there's one player who could be considered the arch-nemesis of the LA Clippers, it would be Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic.

In the last six seasons alone, Doncic has somehow faced off against the LA Clippers in three separate playoff series. Somehow, someway, Luka Doncic always seems to find his way to the Clippers and typically has a monster game.

Yet despite the rivalry between Doncic and the Clippers, one Clippers guard had massive praise for the Lakers' superstar.

During an interview with Eurohoops, Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic shared his thoughts on playing against Doncic.

"He can kill anyone in a tournament. He can go for 50, 60 points… that’s what makes him special," Bogdanovic said of Doncic.

Among the other topics Bogdanovic spoke about in his interview included Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

How Will the Clippers Look Against Doncic This Season?

Both the LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers will be much different teams entering this season. For the Clippers, they've added John Collins, Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, and Brook Lopez. However, they've also lost Norman Powell and will likely lose Ben Simmons. For the Lakers, they've added Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia, but also lost Dorian Finney-Smith.

Based on the personnel, it does not feel like the Clippers will switch up how they cover Doncic next season. They'll likely throw in a combination of Kawhi Leonard, Kris Dunn, and Derrick Jones Jr. at the Lakers guard. However, Doncic will have a high chance of creating a switch against Ivica Zubac, James Harden, and Bradley Beal in the starting lineup.

As a member of the Lakers, Doncic has averaged 30 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2.5 steals in two games. Regardless of whether Doncic is on the Mavericks or Lakers, he'll find a way to get his points. The biggest difference is that on the Lakers, Doncic has a plethora of help.

For as much as the Clippers have dominated the Lakers in the last 10 years, they've actually lost six of the last eight games in the last two seasons. Hopefully, they'll have some new answers against Doncic and LeBron James, because what they're currently doing hasn't been working.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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