Yaxel Lendeborg didn't just lead the Warriors to a Summer League title—he showed why Golden State may have found one of the steals of the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Golden State Warriors left Las Vegas with more than just a Summer League championship. They also walked away with growing confidence that first-round pick Yaxel Lendeborg is ready to make an immediate impact when the regular season begins.
Golden State rallied from a 12-point deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 94-90 in Sunday's championship game, capturing its first NBA Summer League title since 2013. While several young players contributed throughout the tournament, no one made a bigger impression than Lendeborg, whose all-around play earned him Summer League MVP honors.
The rookie finished the tournament averaging 14.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, showcasing the versatility that made him one of the most intriguing prospects entering the draft.
Lendeborg Looked Ready for the Next Level
The biggest takeaway from Golden State's championship run was how composed Lendeborg looked in pressure moments.
In the title game, the rookie scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, with nine of those points coming in the fourth quarter. He also collected seven rebounds during the final period, helping the Warriors dominate the glass 16-4 over the last 10 minutes while erasing Memphis' double-digit lead.
His individual 7-0 scoring run in the closing minutes completely shifted momentum, proving he wasn't afraid of the spotlight. Beyond the scoring, Lendeborg consistently made winning plays by moving the ball, defending multiple positions and providing energy on every possession.
His performance capped an impressive year after winning an NCAA national championship in April before adding an NBA Summer League title just months later. According to ESPN, he became only the second player to accomplish both feats in the same year, joining Davion Mitchell in 2021.
Golden State's Young Core Continues to Grow
Although Lendeborg stole the headlines, Golden State received valuable contributions throughout its roster.
Deivon Smith matched Lendeborg with 21 points in the championship game while adding nine rebounds. Second-year guard LJ Cryer finished with 15 points and six assists, knocking down four 3-pointers before calmly sinking the game-clinching free throw. Will Richard also provided a spark with 13 points, including three made shots from beyond the arc.
Warriors Summer League coach Khalid Robinson praised the team's chemistry after the comeback victory, pointing to the selfless style of play that has defined the organization for more than a decade.
Perhaps the most encouraging sign wasn't simply winning the championship—it was how the Warriors won it. The team defended at a high level, shared the basketball and responded after facing adversity in the fourth quarter.
Summer League success doesn't always translate to the regular season, but Golden State saw exactly what it hoped to from its newest rookie. Lendeborg showed he can impact games without relying solely on scoring, while the rest of the young roster demonstrated the depth and unselfishness the franchise values.
If this tournament was any indication, the Warriors may have found another foundational piece to help bridge the gap between their championship past and promising future.
