Yaxel Lendenborg proud to help Warriors capture NBA Summer League championship
Photo: Arnie Bazemore, Vegas Sports Today
LAS VEGAS — Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendenborg said proving he is a winner was his biggest goal after helping the Warriors rally for the NBA Summer League championship in Las Vegas.
Lendenborg said he entered the Warriors organization determined to contribute to winning basketball rather than focus on individual statistics.
“I just wanted to prove myself that I’m a winner,” Lendenborg said. “It’s never been about the stats. It’s about winning and helping the team. I want to carry that into next season with the Warriors.”
The Warriors erased a double-digit deficit in the second half, showing the resilience that defined their Summer League run.
“They got tight, and we stayed composed,” Lendenborg said. “Some guys are built for those moments. When you get an opportunity, you have to attack it. Our spirit, our toughness, and the way we stayed together made the difference.”
Although he celebrated winning the championship, Lendenborg made it clear he believes there is still plenty of room for improvement.
“I still don’t think I’m where I can be,” he said. “I’m still working on becoming the best version of myself. I got drafted to play basketball, not to watch, so every opportunity to get on the court means something.”
Lendenborg credited the Warriors’ veteran leadership and championship culture for helping the team throughout Summer League.
“Those guys have been doing this for a long time,” he said. “Having leaders like that makes a huge difference. They helped keep us focused and showed us what winning basketball looks like.”
The championship also gave Lendenborg bragging rights over several of his former college teammates who also competed in NBA Summer League.
“I’m definitely going to brag a little,” he said with a smile. “The Warriors were the best team, and we won the championship. I can’t wait for the regular season to show why we’re champions.”
Beginning his professional career with one of the NBA’s most successful organizations made the moment even more meaningful.
“This is a special organization,” Lendenborg said. “They expect to compete for championships every year. You can feel the history here, and I think that winning culture helped us throughout this tournament.”
After spending the past several months living in a hotel while preparing for the NBA, Lendenborg said he is looking forward to finally settling into his new home and turning his attention toward training camp.
“It was a grind,” he said. “I’ve been living in a hotel for three months, so I’m excited to finally get an apartment or a house and get settled. Then it’s back to work.”
For Lendenborg, the Summer League title is just the beginning. His focus now shifts to earning a role with Golden State during the regular season and continuing to prove he belongs on basketball’s biggest stage.
