Steve Kerr Praises Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg as Warriors Overcome Deficit
The Golden State head coach highlighted the rookie's basketball instincts following a 112-95 comeback victory against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has praised rookie Yaxel Lendeborg for his innate feel for basketball as the team navigates early-season challenges. Speaking ahead of Friday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, Kerr noted that the 24-year-old rookie possesses an advanced understanding of the game that helps him shoulder substantial responsibilities right away.
The Warriors went on to secure a 112-95 comeback victory at Chase Center in their NBA Cup opener, overcoming an early 25-point deficit. Stephen Curry led the charge with 31 points, six assists, and four rebounds, helping Golden State earn its third consecutive victory after opening the season with three straight losses.
Kerr explained that he entered his professional relationship with Lendeborg without fixed expectations, simply wanting to coach him and evaluate his readiness. He pointed to the player's college experience and national championship background as key factors differentiating him from younger prospects making the same transition to the professional league.
"He's obviously very advanced for a rookie, and he should be," Kerr said. "He's 24, he's older than most of the guys who come into the league these days." Still, the coach emphasized that experience is distinct from pure instinct, praising Lendeborg's overall understanding of how to contribute alongside established veterans.
Managing a demanding role requires daily adjustments regarding conditioning and matchups. Kerr acknowledged the heavy workload, noting that players face games every other night and must learn how to perform consistently at both ends of the floor. "We're asking a lot of him. But that's the game, that's the NBA," Kerr said.
Friday's success relied on contributions across the roster. Brandin Podziemski scored 21 points, De'Anthony Melton added 16 off the bench, and Georges Niang contributed 11, giving Golden State a decisive 50-7 advantage in bench scoring over the Lakers. Los Angeles was paced by 37 points from Luka Dončić, but the Warriors successfully turned a massive first-quarter deficit into a comfortable win.
Off the court, Lendeborg has also drawn attention for his relationship with Tacarra Shyann, whom he has been dating for over more than a year after they met prior to his final season at Michigan. Shyann recently captured social media attention with a post in red attire, prompting a playful reaction from the rookie guard in the comments section.