Did you expect a quiet debut? The Warriors’ rookie Yaxel Lendeborg logged a team‑high 29 minutes in Wednesday’s season opener, yet managed just 12 points and three rebounds in a lopsided loss to the Lakers. The forward traded barbs with Luka Doncic on the court and later told reporters he’d “lost all respect” for the star.
“I used to respect him because I barely watched the NBA,” Lendeborg told ESPN’s Anthony Slater. “I only saw highlight reels of his dominance. Seeing the constant whining up close erased that respect.”
“You get the foul call—congrats, bro,” he said, pointing to a second‑quarter incident. “Then you act like it’s a triumph. Come on, that’s weak. It knocked me off because I admired him. Gone now.”
Slater noted that while Doncic poured in 28 points and posted a +31 rating in 30 minutes, Lendeborg limited him to 1‑of‑6 shooting when defending him. When asked what he whispered to Doncic after the technical, the rookie replied without filter.
“I told him he sucks,” Lendeborg said. “He can’t score on me. I kept saying it all game, tossed a few curses, and that’s why I got the technical. Just wanted him to know.”
Here’s more on the Warriors:
- Curry addressed Porzingis’ indefinite health leave, calling it a tough spot for both player and club. “His situation comes first,” Curry said to Friedell. “For us, knowing who’s available shapes the season. The center role matters given his skill set. It’s hard to discuss without humanity, but we’ll have to move past this and still hope to have him.” In my view, the uncertainty clouds Golden State’s early plans.
- With no guarantee Porzingis will suit up this year and rumors of a trade swirl, the franchise may be paying for its gamble on his upside, Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area reported. “The Warriors have egg on their faces,” a Western Conference exec told Poole.
- In a one‑on‑one with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Curry explained why he’s never wanted to leave Golden State, defended Steve Kerr’s decision to stay as head coach, and discussed attempts to lure LeBron James to the Warriors, among other topics. Will his loyalty keep Curry in Golden State for years to come?