Warriors Rookie's Hilarious Reaction to Guarding Luka Dončić Goes Viral
Yaxel Lendeborg recounted his surprise and apprehension upon learning he would be tasked with defending the Mavericks superstar in a preseason game.
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg shared his initial shock and apprehension when he was informed he would be guarding Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić during a preseason matchup. The assignment, typically daunting for even seasoned NBA defenders, came as a significant moment for the 11th overall pick.
Lendeborg, who joined the Warriors after a successful college career with the Michigan Wolverines, recounted the experience to reporters. He was on his phone before the game when assistant coach Frank Vogel approached him with the news. "Hey, you're guarding Luka tonight," Vogel reportedly said. Lendeborg's immediate reaction was one of disbelief: "What the f---? You're just gonna throw me in the fire?"
He admitted to reporters that he hadn't anticipated such a challenging assignment. "To be honest, not an over-exaggerative answer at all for a rookie trying to get acclimated to the league," Lendeborg said. "I tried to act all cool, but I was spooked. That was crazy."
However, Lakers head coach JJ Redick ultimately decided to rest Dončić, meaning Lendeborg's primary assignment shifted to center Walker Kessler. The Warriors went on to win the preseason game 101-89. Despite not facing Dončić, Lendeborg acknowledged the mental adjustment required. "It was a complete shift of what I had planned in my mind," he said.
Lendeborg, a noted defender who earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in the AAC and was a first-team all-defense selection in the Big Ten, is known for his defensive capabilities. Nevertheless, he recognized the unique challenge Dončić presents. "I think [Vogel] said he averages like 30, 35. Nobody can stop him, so do your best. That was it. My mind was all over the place after that," Lendeborg stated.
Despite the unexpected defensive task, Lendeborg contributed offensively, scoring 19 points in the game against the Lakers. The 6-foot-9 rookie is expected to be a versatile defender for head coach Steve Kerr during the regular season, capable of guarding multiple positions.
The Warriors and Lakers are scheduled to begin their regular season on October 21 in Los Angeles. If Lendeborg is called upon to guard Dončić then, he'll have another opportunity to test his skills against one of the league's premier offensive talents.