NBA legend tells Yaxel Lendeborg to ‘shut the hell up’ for Luka Doncic comments

Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg talked trash to Luka Doncic unrelentingly on Opening Night.

Lendeborg has the chance to do it again Friday night when the Warriors and Lakers square off for their second meeting of the season.

Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors plays defense on Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images

There’s been much discourse surrounding the rookie’s chatter toward Doncic, but Hall of Famer Charles Barkley said he doesn’t have a problem with Lendeborg chirping at the Lakers superstar.

“I think rookies get excited to play against great players and I have no problem with that. When you’re a great player, you’re everybody’s big game. Those kids grew up watching you, so it’s a big deal,” Barkley said.

Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena. NBAE via Getty Images

While the trash talk by Lendeborg was Barkley approved, the former NBA player turned analyst wasn’t a fan of the 24-year-old’s comments after the game.

“I don’t have any problem with him coming for Luka. I didn’t like the stuff after the game because number one when you get your ass kicked by 30 you probably should shut the hell up,” Barkley said.

"When you're a great player, you're everybody's big game. Those kids grew up watching you, so it's a big deal." — Charles Barkley says he doesn't have a problem with Yaxel coming for Luka. pic.twitter.com/4tQKgh0z64

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) October 28, 2026

Luka Doncic (77) of the Los Angeles Lakers hushes the crowd after sinking a three pointer against the Utah Jazz during the second half of their game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Getty Images

Lendeborg admitted he probably went overboard with his comments after the Opening Night loss.

“I feel like I did kinda take it overboard in the media, but it is what it is,” he said.

However, fans will see whether the Warriors rookie took the learning lesson to heart. Lendeborg continuing the trash talk on the court with Doncic seems likely, but if Golden State loses, will he comment on the Lakers superstar afterward?