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

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg found himself in an unexpected defensive assignment during Tuesday night’s preseason game against the Lakers. Initially slated to guard two-time NBA scoring champion Luka Doncic—a prospect that left him visibly stunned—Lendeborg recalled the moment assistant coach Frank Vogel informed him of the change.

'I was just chilling on my phone when he told me I’d be guarding Luka,' the 6-foot-9, 241-pound forward said afterward, admitting the news sent his mind reeling. Despite his defensive pedigree as a former Big Ten first-team defender and American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, the rookie’s reaction was one of disbelief, especially given Doncic’s league-leading 33.5 points per game average from last season.

The assignment never materialized, however, as Doncic sat out the game under coach JJ Redick’s decision, leaving Lendeborg to instead guard Lakers center Walker Kessler in Golden State’s 101-89 preseason victory. The rookie still managed 17 points and nine free-throw attempts in 26 minutes, though the experience served as a sharp reminder of the NBA’s unpredictable nature—even in exhibition play.

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