# Warriors rookie reacts to guarding Luka Dončić

> Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg says he was confused when told he'd guard Lakers star Luka Dončić.
- Title: Warriors rookie reacts to guarding Luka Dončić · OutKick
- Summary: Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg says he was confused when told he'd guard Lakers star Luka Dončić. Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg reacted with confusion…
- Keywords: yaxel lendeborg, luka dončić, golden state warriors, los angeles lakers, nba, preseason game, draft pick, news, politics, Warriors, rookie, reacts
- Source: OutKick — https://foxnews.com/outkick-sports/warriors-rookies-reaction-learning-hed-guard-lakers-superstar-luka-doncic-goes-viral-what-the-f
- Author: Scott Thompson
- Published: 2026-10-15T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: yaxel lendeborg, luka dončić, golden state warriors, los angeles lakers, nba, preseason game, draft pick, news, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg reacted with confusion after being assigned to guard Lakers superstar Luka Dončić in a preseason game.