WMBA Caitlin Clark makes her admiration for Luka Dončić unmistakable

Luka Dončić continues to be appointment viewing whenever he steps onto the court.

The 6-foot-8 Los Angeles Lakers superstar is in the middle of a remarkable campaign, putting together numbers that place him firmly among the NBA’s elite. As the engine of the Lakers’ offense, Dončić is flirting with a triple-double average, posting 33.7 points, 8.8 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game while carrying the expectations of the 17-time champions.

On Sunday night, Dončić and the Lakers took on the New York Knicks in a high-profile matchup, and one notable observer had plenty to say about the Slovenian’s brilliance. WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark shared her thoughts on Dončić during NBC’s broadcast, offering glowing praise for the Lakers’ six-time All-Star.

“Luka is amazing and incredible,” Clark said on air. “It’s not just the way he scores, but the way he passes the ball. What really stands out is that he’s not the fastest or the most athletic player, but he knows exactly how to manipulate defenders and get them to move where he wants.”

Clark went on to explain how Dončić uses positioning and space to his advantage. “He occupies space so well and does a great job of keeping defenders behind him or slightly to the side,” she added. “That’s definitely something I can learn from.”

Her analysis perfectly captured what makes Dončić so effective. At 26, he isn’t known for blazing speed or explosive athleticism above the rim. Instead, his strength lies in his basketball intelligence, patience, and ability to control tempo. By using his size, footwork, and timing, Dončić consistently puts defenders in uncomfortable situations and dictates the flow of the game on his own terms.

Despite his strong individual showing, the Lakers fell 112-100 to the Knicks. Dončić finished the night with 30 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, once again stuffing the stat sheet and showcasing his all-around impact.

Clark, meanwhile, has built an outstanding résumé of her own in a very short time. The Indiana Fever star was named the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, led the league in assists during her first season, and has already earned two All-Star selections in just two professional campaigns. Widely regarded as one of the most influential players in women’s basketball, her voice carries significant weight when it comes to evaluating elite talent.

Seeing Clark publicly praise Dončić offered a cool crossover moment between two of basketball’s brightest stars. It was a reminder that greatness is often recognized across leagues, and that Dončić’s unique approach to the game resonates far beyond the NBA.