Warriors’ Yaxel Lendeborg On Luka Doncic After Feud: “He’s Not Michael Jordan”

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg and Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic clashed on opening night over foul calls, and after the game, Lendeborg said he “lost all respect” for the Lakers guard because of his constant flopping and whining for fouls.

“I just watched highlights and seen him kill people. But being in it firsthand and seeing all the whining and complaining, I lost all respect,” said the rookie.

Now, Lendeborg is doubling down on getting into it with Doncic and voicing his opinion after the game. “I’m not afraid to talk to nobody, man. He’s not Michael Jordan. Come on now. It’s fun trash talk.” He also said the media went overboard after Doncic told him to “relax” and Lendeborg told Doncic he sucked.

“He’s going to say what he wants to say. I’m going to say what I want to say,” Lendeborg said regarding the back-and-forth between the two.

Lendeborg’s path to the NBA wasn’t a normal one; he played JUCO first before working his way to the National Champion Michigan team last year. He has a history of trash-talking, and most of his headlines this year have come from it.

He has put up solid rookie stats to back up his talk, averaging 18.7 points in three games so far, and has earned a crucial role in the lineup, playing over 34 minutes a game.

It will be interesting to see if Lendeborg backs up his personality, as the Warriors need people to step up. They are 0-3 to start the season.