Yaxel Lendeborg was likely eager to see the Warriors’ summer league schedule in Las Vegas. His first opponents included former Michigan teammates Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara. Lendeborg and the Warriors defeated Johnson and the Dallas Mavericks 101-90 on Thursday night at the Thomas & Mack Center. Notably, the game was played on UNLV’s campus.
Lendeborg, Johnson, and Mara led Michigan to a national championship last season. Now, they compete as rivals in the league this summer. Their coach, Dusty May, accepted the Mavericks’ head-coaching position shortly before the 2026 NBA Draft. The Mavericks selected Johnson at No. 9. Then, Lendeborg was picked at No. 11, followed by Mara at No. 12.
Although Johnson is known for his defense, he scored the most points with 27 on 12-of-17 shooting, plus eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. During this summer league, Lendeborg matched his close friend’s performance.
The Warriors’ top draft pick kept up his strong play this summer. He scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double. Lendeborg also added six assists. Furthermore, he had the best plus-26 rating in the game, showcasing his skills in the summer league environment.
Lendeborg praised Johnson. However, one of his best plays came against him when he spun past the Big Ten All-Defensive honoree for a three-point play. Lendeborg acknowledged the moment to Johnson, highlighting the intensity of league matchups this summer.
Lendeborg’s ability to play many roles keeps impressing. His three-point shooting, once seen as a weakness, is now a strength. He made 9 of 13 shots (69.2 percent) in three different games this summer league season. Meanwhile, his passing shows good understanding of the game, suggesting he will fit well in coach Steve Kerr’s system.
Lendeborg does not play like a usual rookie. As the summer league continues, he confidently drives to the basket. He also has the strength to compete with NBA veterans. However, he will need some time to adjust.
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Eric Butler is a Contributor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on Instagram and X via @ReportandOpine
