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Yaxel Lendeborg caught the eye of a two-time NBA champion.
The Warriors lost to the Rockets, 115-108, Wednesday, but Kevin Durant was more than impressed by Golden State’s new golden boy.
“He’s a problem,” Durant said of Lendeborg.
“A matchup problem; being that tall and being able to have that skill too, man, I’m excited to see his career unfold and grateful that I got to play against him tonight.”
Durant’s respect extended beyond the postgame praise. Luca Evans of the San Francisco Chronicle posted on social media that a signed Durant jersey was waiting at Lendeborg’s locker after the game. Lendeborg was still on the court postgame, so reporters didn’t get to see him discover it in the locker room.
The Warriors rookie has taken the league by storm with his superb play. Against the Clippers, Lendeborg scored a career-high 37 points to kick off November.
Lendeborg also lifted the Warriors to a win against the Nuggets in October, tallying 31 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
Ahead of the season, there was a dim outlook on Golden State given the aging core and the front office’s quiet offseason. But the selection of Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has paid dividends.
Lendeborg’s responsibility on the floor has only increased given the extended absence of Curry due to an oblique tear.
Durant’s praise — and the signed jersey — suggest the rookie has earned the respect of one of the game’s greats. The rest of the NBA has been put on notice.
