Yaxel Lendeborg. Image via: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The $28 million rookie says in the video that the house took two to three months to secure. Lendeborg, 24, is averaging 21 points a game as a starter for the 6-3 Warriors, who have won six straight. 11 after a title run at Michigan, following stops at Arizona Western and UAB. She worked 12-hour warehouse shifts, drove for Uber and cleaned churches on weekends to provide for her three other children while Lendeborg played at Arizona Western College.
“Welcome home,” Yaxel Lendeborg told Raposo, and the tears started at once. To him it is “bigger than basketball,” a chance to bring the people who stood behind him into the good times. Shortly after the draft, Lendeborg said he was glad to have been with her through it all, from one job to three to none.
Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg bought his mother a house and posted the moment on YouTube Friday. Yissel Raposo received the keys to a new home in California and burst into tears right away. Golden State drafted him at No. A longer statement went up with the video. No single act could repay everything she has done for him, Lendeborg wrote, but the day was one he will never forget. Raposo put in the hours to get him here. She also pushed him through community college courses so he could play as a senior, then quietly lined up a showcase that led to the Arizona Western offer.
Replies were warm, and most said the same thing. One fan wrote: “THIS IS THE GOAL! the only thing im trying to achieve in this life man 🥹” Another admitted a change of heart: “I wanted to not like you, but now I have to. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines A third posted: “This the ultimate goal as a son 💯” “Every young mans dream to do for his momma,” read one reply. Another said, “This is every kid’s dream, happy for Yax’s family.”
Congrats, mom!
Lendeborg has started all nine games for the 6-3 Warriors and sits behind only Stephen Curry in team scoring. His 7.1 rebounds rank second in his draft class, matching his scoring, and his 4.1 assists are fourth. Through seven games, he joined only one other rookie in NBA history with 150 points, 50 rebounds and 25 assists. He also became the first rookie since Shaquille O’Neal in 1992 to record more than 100 points, 40 rebounds and 20 assists through his first five career games.
The numbers back the praise on the court too. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.