When the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, few expected the Minnesota Timberwolves to be impacted. Minnesota was in a fight for a spot in the playoffs and would approach games against either the Lakers or Mavericks with a similar mentality.
Less than half a season into his Lakers tenure, however, Doncic is planting the seeds for a rivalry between Los Angeles and Minnesota to renew.
A rivalry began brewing between the Lakers and Timberwolves in the early 2000s, when the two sides met in the playoffs in both 2002 and 2003. 22 years later, there's a realistic possibility that the two sides will square off in the postseason once more.
Perhaps in anticipation of a potential No. 3 versus No. 6 series, Doncic stoked the flames by reflecting on an infamous shot and taunt that came at the expense of Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert.
Luka's favorite moment from his tribute video was why he's Luka @iztok_franko: pic.twitter.com/JGS4e7Cjxl
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 11, 2025
It's an admittedly enduring moment, but Gobert would have every reason to utilize the comments as bulletin board material.
Luka Doncic highlights infamous shot and taunt against Rudy Gobert
Doncic and Gobert have encountered one another on two separate occasions during the NBA Playoffs. The first series took place in 2022, when Doncic and the Mavericks defeated Gobert and the Utah Jazz by a margin of 4-2.
The second postseason encounter occurred just last season, when Doncic and the Mavericks defeated Gobert and the Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals.
With this in mind, the seeds were admittedly already planted for a Doncic versus Minnesota rivalry. The reason it appears capable of crossing the boundaries of franchise allegiances, however, is that Doncic's notorious trash-talk followed him to Los Angeles.
A rivalry could now take on new life between not only Doncic and Gobert, but the five-time All-NBA First Team honoree and Anthony Edwards.
Edwards and the Timberwolves are in remarkable form, winning 15 of their 19 games since Mar. 1. As such, Minnesota has found itself in a three-way tie at 47-33, with the Golden State Warriors currently holding the tiebreak advantage.
It's still realistic, however, that Minnesota could end up with the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference and face the No. 3 seed Lakers in the first round. If that transpires, then the feud between Doncic and Gobert will resume, and the Edwards element could begin to shape the next great Western Conference rivalry.
22 years later, a new franchise player has opened the door for Los Angeles and Minnesota to do bitter battle for years to come.