The Warriors rookie made a bold pitch to LeBron James after a strong start in Las Vegas.
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has not needed much time to show his confidence, and after two strong games at NBA Summer League, the No. 11 pick is already trying to help the front office land one of the greatest players ever.
James has yet to choose his next team after telling the Los Angeles Lakers that he will play elsewhere in 2026-27.
Cleveland, Miami and Philadelphia are all receiving strong interest, but Lendeborg believes Golden State should be near the top of the list.
Lendeborg Makes His Pitch
“I know you don't like rookies that much, but I'm not the average rookie,” Lendeborg said. “If you're looking to play with the greatest shooter of all time and Draymond, we'll be glad to have you.”
It was a funny line, but the rookie has already backed up his confidence.
After hinting that he could compete for a starting job, Lendeborg opened Las Vegas Summer League with 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in a 101-90 win over Dallas.
He followed that with 14 points, four assists and three steals as Golden State beat Oklahoma City 104-79, moving the Warriors to 2-0 in Vegas.
Through those two games, Lendeborg is averaging 17.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists, and his mix of passing, defense and outside shooting has made him look ready for a role right away.
Why Golden State Still Fits
The Warriors went 37-45 last season and finished 10th in the Western Conference, while the Lakers went 53-29 and reached the second round.
Still, James remained highly productive, as the 41-year-old averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games.
Golden State can offer him something the other teams cannot: a chance to play beside Stephen Curry, who averaged 26.6 points, and close friend Draymond Green.
Curry has already made it clear that he wants to team up with James, and Green has also made his own pitch.
Cleveland may be the favorite because of James' history there, while Miami can sell him on another return and Philadelphia has a talented group built to win now.
Yet the Warriors still offer the cleanest basketball fit.
James could run the offense when Curry rests, create easy shots when Curry moves without the ball and help Golden State survive until Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody return from major injuries.
The money and roster moves would still be difficult, and Golden State has already looked at a possible backup plan if James signs elsewhere.
Lendeborg has done his part, both on the court and in the recruiting race.
