Warriors Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg Has Surprising Response When Asked to Guard Luka Doncic

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg admitted he was spooked when assistant coach Frank Vogel told him he would be assigned to guard Luka Doncic before a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 24-year-old rookie revealed his candid, startled reaction to the San Francisco Chronicle, though the marquee matchup never took place because the Lakers rested Doncic for the contest.

Instead, head coach Steve Kerr deployed Lendeborg at center during the Warriors' 101-89 win. Lendeborg impressed offensively with 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists, but he struggled defensively while handling coverage against Austin Reaves and 7-foot-1 center Walker Kessler. Lendeborg rated his defensive display five out of 10, acknowledging that he needs to improve his positioning and knowledge of team coverages.