Lendeborg takes another shot at Doncic: “Come on, he’s not Michael Jordan”
The trash talk with Doncic continues to draw attention, but Lendeborg isn’t changing his stance. And he has a pretty direct response to his critics
Yaxel Lendeborg certainly doesn’t seem like the type to be intimidated. After trading words with Luka Doncic during the Warriors-Lakers matchup, the Golden State rookie revisited the subject, responding to those who criticized him for provoking one of the NBA’s best players.
And judging by his comments, he has no intention of backing down.
People say I shouldn’t talk to him like that. He’s going to say what he wants, and I’ll do the same. I’m not afraid to talk to anybody. Come on, he’s not Michael Jordan
Yaxel Lendeborg
It all started during his NBA debut against the Lakers, when Lendeborg and Doncic exchanged some heated words. The exchange didn’t end on the court, as the rookie doubled down in front of reporters afterward.
On that point, though, Lendeborg admitted he might have gone too far, drawing a distinction between what happens on the court and what gets said after the game.
It’s trash talk. It’s part of the fun. I think I went a little overboard with my comments to the media, but it’s done now
Yaxel Lendeborg
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have backed him at Golden State. Green, in particular, encouraged him to keep being himself without letting criticism affect him.
Lendeborg also responded to those who brought up his age, since at 24, he is considerably older than the average rookie.
I’m 24, I play in the NBA, and I have the best job in the world. I just moved my mom to California. I’m living a dream. I’m always going to be myself. That’s how I was raised
Yaxel Lendeborg
Beyond his words, Lendeborg is also starting to get noticed for what he does on the court. Against Memphis, he finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals, an intriguing performance despite the Warriors’ loss, which left them winless through their first two games.