Luka Doncic’s Controversial Gesture Sparks Debate After Lakers Win Over Clippers

LOS ANGELES, California — The Los Angeles Lakers climbed to second place in the Western Conference after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 108-102 on April 2, 2025. This victory marked the Lakers’ second win against their city rivals within three days.

Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 29 points and nine assists, while All-Star LeBron James contributed 17 points. Rookie Dalton Knecht also made a significant impact, adding 19 points in a game where the Lakers were missing key players Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.

Despite a strong performance from the Clippers, particularly guard Kawhi Leonard, who scored a season-high 33 points, the team has struggled, losing five of their last six games. The Clippers currently sit in sixth place in the Western Conference standings, while the Lakers improved to 38-21, solidifying their playoff position.

However, Doncic’s performance was not without controversy. During the game, he made a gesture that surprised many, including a female referee. While Clippers guard James Harden was at the free-throw line, Doncic took the basketball, wiped his sweat on it, and then tossed it to the official. The referee, visibly upset by the act, issued a delay of game warning to the Lakers.

The incident ignited debate on social media, with mixed opinions on Doncic’s actions. One user criticized the gesture as disrespectful, stating, “She ain’t emotional. That shit is just disrespectful and dirty as fuck. Somebody would whoop your a** doing that in a pickup game.” Another defended Doncic, arguing that such acts occur frequently among players, but not to this extent.

Dive deeper into Doncic’s contributions, and it becomes evident that he is becoming increasingly comfortable in the Lakers’ system since his acquisition from the Dallas Mavericks in early February. The Lakers have gone 11-3 since trading Anthony Davis for Doncic, showcasing a blend of strong defense and explosive offense.

As these developments unfold, LeBron James is nearing another historic milestone. The 40-year-old veteran is just one point shy of becoming the first player in NBA history to reach a combined 50,000 points in regular season and playoff games. This achievement adds to his already impressive list of accomplishments in the league.

The Lakers will look to continue their momentum when they face the New Orleans Pelicans next, while the Clippers will visit the struggling Phoenix Suns, who hold a 28-33 record. Both games are crucial as the playoffs approach.