Warriors’ Steve Kerr puts Yaxel Lendeborg on notice after preseason blunder

October 5, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

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The Golden State Warriors began their preseason journey on Sunday as they visited the Los Angeles Clippers at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu. While the Warriors did end up taking a 104-101 loss courtesy of a game-winner from Keaton Wagler, whose nasty stepback jumpshot gave the Clippers a 102-101 lead they would not relinquish, they had plenty of promising results to derive hope from — including the play of rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg.

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Lendeborg did not blow away anyone with his play, but he did show that he’s an incredible connector with a natural feel for the game, making him a natural fit for the Warriors system. While he did finish with just four points, nine rebounds, and three assists on a dreadful shooting display (1-6 from the field), Golden State did see some encouraging signs from the 11th overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft.

However, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is urging the 24-year-old rookie to be more aggressive in scoring the basketball, as he has to know when to be more assertive in hunting his own shot instead of deferring to teammates all the time.

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“Yaxel’s good. We need him to be more aggressive. A really key play early in the second half where he has the ball right underneath the basket and he turns it over trying to throw it to Charles (Bassey). [The Clippers] hit a three at the other end. That’s got to be a layup. We need Yaxel to have an aggressive scoring mentality and that’s something we’re gonna work with him on. Because he can make plays and he can score,” Kerr said after the game, via Anthony Slater of ESPN.

Steve Kerr mentioned an early third quarter Yaxel Lendeborg mistake where he tried to fit in a pass instead of attempting a layup, leading to turnover and transition 3.
“We need him to have an aggressive scoring mentality and that’s something we are going to work with him on.” pic.twitter.com/oN8SJ4eSUj
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 5, 2026

The Warriors need Lendeborg to take on a large scoring role, especially with Jimmy Butler still recovering from injury and Kristaps Porzingis dealing with a nagging health issue. That may lead to some rough shooting nights as Lendeborg acclimates to playing against tougher-level opposition, but they need him to go through a trial by fire if they were to be remotely competitive this upcoming season.

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