Yaxel Lendeborg Doubles Down on Luka Doncic

Yaxel Lendeborg isn’t backing off Luka Dončić. After the Warriors lost to the Grizzlies on Friday, the rookie said, “I’m not afraid” of anyone and Dončić is “not Michael Jordan.” The two got physical and traded words in the Lakers’ 127-105 opening-night win, when Dončić had 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Lendeborg was hit with a technical and later said Dončić “sucks” and was “complaining the entire game.” Steve Kerr liked the rookie’s confidence, telling reporters, “I love it,” while adding, “don’t foul him next time … back up your words.” Golden State is 0-2 after blowing a 12-point fourth-quarter lead in Memphis, but Lendeborg delivered 18 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals in 37 minutes. The Warriors face Phoenix on Saturday.