The Golden State Warriors opened their 2026-27 campaign Wednesday night, facing the Los Angeles Lakers on the road. The contest marked Yaxel Lendeborg's NBA debut, as the former NCAA champion was selected by Golden State with the No. 11 overall pick earlier this spring.
Throughout the contest, Lendeborg was trusted with the responsibility of guarding Lakers' star Luka Doncic, and the two exchanged words on multiple occasions. While it was Doncic and the Lakers who got the last laugh, taking a 22-point victory (127-105), Lendeborg didn't hold back when speaking about the Slovenian star after the game.
"I had a lot of respect for him. I didn't really watch the NBA much; I just watched highlights, seeing him kill people all the time. But then, being
in there firsthand, watching all the whining and complaining, I lost all respect, man. That was awful."
Doncic finished the night with 28 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals. As for Lendeborg, he held his own during his debut, finishing with 12 points on 5-for-11 shooting to go along with three rebounds, two assists, one steal and zero turnovers.
Looking ahead, the rookie won't have to wait long to get his revenge on Doncic, as the Warriors host the Lakers Friday, Oct. 30.
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This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg rips Luka Doncic after NBA debut vs. Lakers
