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Moment Warriors rookie learns he’s guarding Luka Doncic goes viral: ‘What the f–k’

Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg got a taste for how quickly things can change in the NBA.

By Evan Webeck · NY Post

Published: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 6:22 PM

Key Things to Know

Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg shared his viral, stunned reaction to briefly being assigned to guard Luka Doncic.
Assistant coach Frank Vogel initially gave the rookie the defensive assignment before Lakers coach JJ Redick rested Doncic.
Lendeborg was instead matched up against Lakers center Walker Kessler during Tuesday's preseason contest.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg recounted his viral reaction after assistant coach Frank Vogel initially assigned him to defend Luka Doncic. Ahead of Tuesday's preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Lendeborg admitted he felt stunned and spooked by the daunting defensive task before the lineup changed.

Doncic was ultimately rested by Lakers coach JJ Redick, shifting Lendeborg's defensive matchup to 7-foot-2 center Walker Kessler instead. Lendeborg scored 17 points in 26 minutes to help the Warriors secure a 101-89 preseason exhibition victory over the Lakers.

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Moment Warriors rookie learns he’s guarding Luka Doncic goes viral: ‘What the f–k’

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