TonyTheTiger (Public domain), via Wikimedia Commons

Yaxel Lendeborg credits big performance to Steph Curry, Draymond Green advice

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg delivered a standout preseason performance, scoring a team-high 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting in a blowout victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The 6-foot-9 forward credited guidance from Warriors legends Steph Curry and Draymond Green, who encouraged him to embrace a more aggressive scoring role after his hesitant debut.

Lendeborg’s early confidence boost came from Curry and Green’s reassurance, with the rookie responding by dominating near the rim, hitting his first three field goals inside the paint—a key priority for coach Steve Kerr, who emphasized the need for Lendeborg to contribute as a primary scorer alongside Curry. With Jimmy Butler recovering from knee surgery and Kristaps Porziņģis’ availability uncertain, Lendeborg’s ability to step into a larger offensive role could be critical for Golden State’s depth chart.

The Michigan product, who won 2026 NBA Summer League MVP earlier this offseason, acknowledged the shift from his unselfish collegiate style to a more assertive NBA approach, calling it a challenge but one he’s eager to master with the support of his veteran teammates.

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