Yaxel Lendeborg led all scorers with 17 points as the Golden State Warriors cruised to a 124-98 preseason victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. The Warriors’ 2026 first-round pick showed a marked improvement from his debut, also grabbing nine rebounds and providing two assists.
After scoring just four points in the Warriors’ loss to the Clippers earlier in the preseason, Lendeborg responded to coaching advice by pushing to find his own shot more consistently. Head coach Steve Kerr urged him to be more aggressive, while Stephen Curry encouraged him to strike a better balance between unselfish playmaking and scoring. Against the Lakers, Lendeborg shot efficiently, hitting seven of eleven field-goal attempts, including two of three from beyond the arc.
The 24-year-old rookie’s performance aligned with the Warriors’ expectations when they selected him 11th overall in the draft. They valued his readiness for the NBA despite his age, and the front office will be watching closely to see if he can maintain this level of play as the regular season approaches.
It’s important to note that the Lakers rested several key players for this game, and the Warriors did not face the Los Angeles squad at full strength. This context tempers the excitement around Lendeborg’s breakout showing, especially as he adjusts to the jump from college to the NBA.
Still, his ability to pick his spots and convert opportunities without forcing shots suggests a promising start to his professional career. The Warriors will likely continue to lean on him to develop as a dependable scorer and rebounder.
Lendeborg’s progression was one of several storylines for Golden State in the win, which follows their narrow defeat to the Clippers in their preseason opener. The Warriors’ focus on integrating young talent and fine-tuning their roster is clear as they prepare for the regular season.
While Lendeborg’s 17 points led the team, Stephen Curry’s guidance and Kerr’s coaching adjustments have already influenced the rookie’s approach on the court. The Warriors will monitor how Lendeborg develops in upcoming preseason games before making definitive assessments.
According to Yahoo Sports.