From OutKick · Scott Thompson · · 1m 10s
Warriors rookie reacts to guarding Luka Dončić
Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg says he was confused when told he'd guard Lakers star Luka Dončić.
In brief
Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg says he was confused when told he'd guard Lakers star Luka Dončić. Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg reacted with confusion after being assigned to guard Lakers superstar Luka Dončić in a preseason game. Originally reported by OutKick.
Warriors rookie assigned to guard Luka
Yaxel Lendeborg, the Golden State Warriors' No. 11 overall draft pick, was told he'd guard Luka Dončić in a preseason game.
“Hey, you’re guarding Luka tonight”
Rookie's reaction to assignment
Lendeborg said, 'What the f, -? You’re just gonna throw me in the fire?' after learning he'd guard the Lakers' superstar.
“What the f, -? You’re just gonna throw me in the fire?”
Game outcome
The Warriors defeated the Lakers 101-89 in a preseason game on Oct. 13, 2026, in Las Vegas.
Lakers rest Dončić
Lakers head coach JJ Redick decided to rest Luka Dončić, leading Lendeborg to match up with center Walker Kessler.
Rookie's performance
Lendeborg dropped 19 points and held his own against Walker Kessler during the game.
Next game
The Warriors and Lakers will tip off their regular season schedule on Oct. 21 in Los Angeles.
The big picture
Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg reacted with confusion after being assigned to guard Lakers superstar Luka Dončić in a preseason game.
