It’s not an overreaction to say Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg’s NBA career is off to an incredible start.
Lendeborg has played a pivotal role in Golden State’s offense, averaging 21.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. He kicked off his pro career by feuding with Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic.
“I had a lot of respect for him [because] I didn’t really watch the NBA much. I just watched highlights and seen him kill people,” Lendeborg told reporters. “But being in it firsthand and seeing all the whining and complaining, I lost all respect. That was awful. Like me getting frustrated, it’s not about the foul being called, it’s about him complaining the entire game. And then you get the foul call – congratulations. Then you talk to me like you did something great. C’mon, dog. That s— is weak. It kind of threw me off because I have so much respect for him. Gone, man. Gone.”
Justine Willard-Imagn Images.
A few games later, Lendeborg had a career-high 31 points and 12 rebounds in a 134-114 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Lendeborg’s girlfriend, Tacarra Shyann, celebrated his first NBA win by posting a few photos on Instagram along with the caption: “First of many.”
Bright future for Yaxel Lendeborg.
Lendeborg came to Golden State with high expectations, especially after winning a national championship with the Michigan Wolverines. Judging by his first four games, he’s not afraid of taking on superstar opponents.
If Lendeborg continues to shine with the Warriors, he’ll make a compelling case for Rookie of the Year.
The Warriors will be back in action this Wednesday against the Timberwolves.
