Sports · Basketball · 6 hrs ago
Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg makes a strong start to his NBA career
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has made a fast start to his NBA career, averaging 22.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and four assists in his first five games.
The 23-year-old was the 11th pick in June's draft after six years in college.
His early scoring and rebounding totals put him in rare company: he is the first rookie in nearly 70 years to reach at least 100 points, 45 rebounds and 20 assists in his first five games.
Lendeborg also drew attention after criticizing Luka Dončić, but Stephen Curry and coach Steve Kerr said they welcomed his confidence and expected him to support it with his play.
His early production has come with the trust and opportunity of coach Steve Kerr, who has played the rookie regularly.
That matters for Golden State as it tries to make the most of the later years of Curry's career.
The available information gives no specific next step for Lendeborg or the team.
Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is averaging 22.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and four assists through his first five NBA games.
He was the No. 11 pick in June’s draft.
Lendeborg is the first rookie in nearly 70 years to record at least 100 points, 45 rebounds and 20 assists through his first five games.
He has scored at least 25 points in three straight games, the first Warriors rookie to do so since Stephen Curry.
Lendeborg drew attention after a war of words with Luka Dončić during and after his first NBA game last week.
- Who
- Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg.
- What
- He has made a strong start to his NBA career, averaging 22.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and four assists through five games.
- When
- Through his first five games, as reported on October 30, 2026.
- Where
- With the Golden State Warriors in the NBA.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lendeborg was selected with the No. 11 pick in the draft.
Lendeborg played his first NBA game and had a war of words with Luka Dončić during and after it.
Lendeborg averaged 22.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and four assists.
- Draft pick
- No. 11
- Games played
- 5
- Points per game
- 22.6
- Rebounds per game
- 9.6
- Assists per game
- 4
- Age
- 23
4 sources
Yaxel Lendeborg is making name for himself with Warriors
Why Yaxel Lendeborg could be the key to saving what's left of the Warriors' Stephen Curry era
Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is off to a historic start. Think Shaq-like.
What people are saying
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Yaxel WENT OFF in Golden State's win 🔥 31 PTS (career-high) 12 REB (game-high) 6 AST He becomes the first @warriors rookie since Steph Curry (2/10/2010) to record 30+ PTS, 10+ REB, and 5+ AST in a single game!
Steve Kerr on Yaxel Lendeborg’s seven turnovers in a win “I’m almost glad this happened. He feels terrible in there. He’s not happy. And yet he had 26 points and eight boards. It’s a great lesson for him.”
Yaxel Lendeborg on his seven turnovers: “I played hella soft today. Draymond told me that as well.” He said Draymond instructed him to drive through their chest later in game Full Yaxel sound https://t.co/k1QqTI0QQJ