Luka Doncic helps Kings rookie avoid embarrassing tip-off mistake

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Luka Doncic helps Kings rookie avoid embarrassing tip-off mistake

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Oct 6, 2026 3:23 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic has been around for quite some time, so he knows a thing or two about making mistakes.

On Monday night, the Lakers battled the Sacramento Kings in the preseason opener, and right before tip-off, Doncic was seen helping Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr.

It turned out Acuff was lined up on the wrong side, and Doncic told him to go to the right side right before the ball tipped.

Doncic said “other side” to Acuff, and the Lakers star had a giggle before the game started.

"OTHER SIDE." @lukadoncic had to let the rook @Dariusacuff5 know https://t.co/Oz4I11Nog6
— NBA (@NBA) October 6, 2026

It marked the first preseason game for both teams, and the Lakers walked away with a 127-103 win at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif.

Acuff, who was selected by the Kings at No. 7 overall after a stellar run with the Arkansas Razorbacks, actually played well after the viral moment. Acuff finished with 19 points on 8-of-17 from the field, and the only other Kings player to score more was Nique Clifford (23 points).

Acuff flashed plenty of promise in his first preseason game, and he even matched up time and time again against Doncic on the other side of the floor.

Still, this moment might be one that Acuff wants to forget.

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