Full Breakdown
Yaxel Lendeborg’s Perfect Shooting Powers Warriors’ Summer League Blowout
7/4/2026, 9:31:41 PM
Draft Background & Player Profile
Yaxel Lendeborg was selected No. 11 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, becoming the oldest first-round pick at 23 years. After stints at junior college, UAB and a championship season at Michigan, he joined a Golden State roster anchored by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis. The Warriors sought a versatile forward who can stretch the floor and contribute in transition, a profile Lendeborg matched.
Game Summary & Key Statistics
On July 3, 2026 the Warriors Gold defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 104-72 at Chase Center. Golden State shot 63 % overall and 62 % from three-point range, while the Lakers managed 38 % and 23 % from deep. Lendeborg logged 22 minutes, scoring a game-high 19 points on perfect 6-for-6 shooting, including 4-for-4 from three, and added five rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block while committing four turnovers. The Warriors posted 32 assists to the Lakers’ 16.
Team Assessment
Coach Khalid Robinson praised Lendeborg’s force, physicality and all-around contribution, noting the rookie displayed a broad skill set. The Warriors’ scouting staff highlighted his energy, athleticism and maturity as reasons for selecting him at No. 11, and guard Will Richard affirmed that Lendeborg is ready to contribute.
Rookie Self-Critique & Analyst View
Lendeborg acknowledged defensive lapses, citing four turnovers and missed rebounding, and assessed his performance as a solid B. He noted that he missed several rebounds and lacked sufficient physicality. Analysts cautioned that Summer League success does not guarantee NBA impact, observing that rookie production can vary after training camp.
Significance for Golden State
The debut answered a key question about whether Lendeborg’s college versatility can translate to the NBA. His perfect shooting and secondary playmaking align with Golden State’s need for forwards who can space the floor and facilitate, while his self-assessment suggests a willingness to develop defensively—an attribute valued by a veteran-heavy roster.
Upcoming Summer League Schedule
Warriors Gold will face the San Antonio Spurs on July 5, then the Miami Heat on July 6 before heading to Las Vegas for the main Summer League tournament.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Damn I should’ve gotten that triple dub,” — Yaxel Lendeborg, Warriors rookie (Instagram)
- “I gave up a lot of rebounds today,” — Yaxel Lendeborg, post-game interview (USA Today)
- “I thought Yaxel played with a really high level of force and physicality,” — Khalid Robinson, Warriors coach (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- “He’s definitely ready,” — Will Richard, Warriors guard (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- “I definitely think that I could probably be in the 37-plus range for threes if I keep shooting with confidence.” — Yaxel Lendeborg, interview (NBC Sports Bay Area)
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on Lendeborg’s 19-point, perfect-shooting line, yet his own assessment highlights defensive lapses not captured in box scores. No external critiques beyond his self-evaluation appear, and detailed defensive metrics (e.g., opponent field-goal percentage when guarded) are absent, leaving a gap in evaluating his two-way impact.
