Luka Doncic doesn’t just think he’s unstoppable — he knows it.
“He thinks there’s nobody in the world who can defend him,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters ahead of the playoffs.
That mindset is about to face a serious stress test.
The Los Angeles Lakers open the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves — the league’s top-ranked defense and home to one of Doncic’s toughest individual matchups: Jaden McDaniels.
Luka’s Arrival Changed Everything
Since being traded from Dallas, Doncic has supercharged the Lakers. L.A. finished the season with a 50–32 record, going 19–3 after his arrival. Doncic suited up in 18 of those games and averaged:
- 28.2 PPG
- 8.1 RPG
- 7.5 APG
He’s leaner, healthier, and locked in — just in time for the postseason.
Minnesota’s Wall: Jaden McDaniels
Minnesota won’t make things easy. The Wolves can throw a defensive gauntlet at Doncic — and McDaniels is their best weapon.
According to For The Win, Doncic averages 40.1 points per 100 possessions on 54.2% shooting. But when guarded by McDaniels? That drops to 30.7 points on 48.1%.
McDaniels isn’t alone either. Minnesota has options:
- Anthony Edwards, whose strength and athleticism can disrupt drives
- Jaylen Clark, a physical rookie defender with nothing to lose
According to BBall-Index, McDaniels ranks Top 10 in matchup difficulty across the league.
What’s Next if the Lakers Survive?
If L.A. knocks out the Timberwolves, they’ll face either:
- The Houston Rockets — led by rising star Alperen Şengün
- The Golden State Warriors — a battle-tested squad with championship DNA
And waiting down the line? The Oklahoma City Thunder — the top seed in the West and a team that’s rewriting expectations.
