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While the Golden State Warriors are still looking for their first win of the season, rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is leaving a strong impression on the organization.
After the Warriors fell to 0-3, following a 131-122 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night, Kerr wasn’t shy to point out some areas the rookie will need to grow in his development.
Steve Kerr on Yaxel’s game and his efforts defensively:
“Yeah, he’s fearless, he’s huge and he’s got a great skill set. He can dribble pass and shoot. The biggest thing is just continuing to learn the NBA and he’s feel that, he’s gonna do that. Play in the first half where he… pic.twitter.com/s7PjW16dWs
— Ashwin (@Sudharsan_ak) October 25, 2026
One moment in particular that Kerr reflected on was when Lendeborg launched himself into Khaman Maluach.
“In college he could do that, but this is a different league,” Kerr said. “He’ll learn. He’s playing a ton, and he’s gonna get all these reps, and we’re gonna keep showing him film, and he’s gonna get all these reps, and we’re gonna keep showing him film, and he’ll get better and better.”
As Kerr knows Lendeborg will continue to grow, he also praised him for not being scared of the moment.
“He’s fearless, he’s huge, and he’s got a great skill set,” Kerr said. “He can dribble, pass, and shoot. The biggest thing is continuing to learn the NBA, and he’s gonna feel that; he’s gonna do that.”
As Kerr said, Lendeborg has been playing fearlessly.
On Wednesday, Lendeborg played in his first career NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers and was seen trash-talking Luka Doncic.
After the game was over, Lendeborg said he “lost all respect” for Doncic because he was “whining and complaining.”
Lendeborg’s exchange with Doncic has been considered controversial by some, but his teammate Draymond Green loved it.
After the game ended, Green told Evan Webeck of The California Post that regardless of the result, he was happy to see the rookie not back down against one of the best guards in the league.
Lendeborg admitted after the battle was over that he went “overboard” with comments against Doncic but said, “it is what it is.”
Over the summer, Lendeborg helped lead the Warriors to an NBA Summer League title and was crowned the league’s MVP.
So far this season, he’s averaged 34.3 minutes on the court, with 18.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
