Luka Doncic and Yaxel Lendeborg. Image via: Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Getty Images
1 option in Orlando and ended with a title in Denver. The 6-foot-8 forward spoke in a conversation shared online, and the message was plain. Through five games, Lendeborg is averaging 22.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.0 steals. The past three have been stronger, at 27.7 points and 10.0 rebounds a night. He leads the league at 36.0 points a game through four, with 52 against Utah and 41 against Portland.
Because of some monstrous superstars, the Denver Nuggets forward told the first-year player to stay with it.
He said the idea of being the top option there was not really true. Like real monsters in this league,” Gordon said. Gordon told the rookie to carry the lessons from his mother and from work, since those are the reasons Golden State picked him.
Aaron Gordon has a message for Golden State rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, and it is not a gentle one. Of course, he did not name Luka Doncic but it appears to be a subtle hint. Gordon backed the warning with a story of his own, which began as a No. The words reach Lendeborg as the Warriors get ready for another night against Luka Doncic and the Lakers. Lendeborg and Doncic already traded words on opening night. Friday brings round two at Chase Center. Showing up with talent does not protect anyone from getting humbled. Gordon used Orlando as the example. Denver asked for less, a few steps back in role. “As far as, like, your NBA journey, just stay with it. There’s some freaks in this league, you know what I mean? Lendeborg got a second piece of advice. Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. is the only other first-year player scoring at a similar rate, and his efficiency is far lower. Doncic has been bigger still. Soreness kept him out of Wednesday’s win over the Clippers, but Lakers coach JJ Redick does not expect another absence.
The result was a championship and a better all-around game today.