Yaxel Lendeborg is ‘absolutely’ looking forward to rematch with Luka Dončić

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 21: Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors & Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game on October 21, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

In his NBA debut last week, rookie Yaxel Lendeborg did not shy away from locking horns with Luka Dončić as they exchanged some words during the Los Angeles Lakers’ rout of the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21. Dončić and Lendeborg will clash again Friday night when the Lakers roll into Chase Center for each team’s opening game of NBA Cup Group Play.

Following another sensational performance, which helped propel the Warriors past the Minnesota Timberwolves for a second consecutive win on Wednesday, Lendeborg made clear he’s excited for Friday’s rematch — the second of (at least) four installments between Los Angeles and Golden State this season.

“Absolutely. Absolutely. Yes. Yes, I am,” Lendeborg giddily told reporters when asked if he’s looking forward to the game. “But you know, I’ll talk more about that on Friday.”

Is Yaxel Lendeborg looking forward to the Lakers game on Friday?

“Absolutely. Absolutely. Yes, I am. I’ll talk about that on Friday.” pic.twitter.com/31b3isk3dI

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 29, 2026

Though only five games into his rookie campaign, Lendeborg is off to a roaring start. He’s averaging 22.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 55.1% on 2-pointers and 35.5% beyond the arc and getting to the free-throw line 7.0 times per game. Over the past three games, he’s been even better, averaging 27.7 points (58.8% on 2s, 37.5% from deep), 10.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.0 blocks.

The confidence that emboldened him to not shy away from Dončić is evident in his on-court approach. He’s fearless as an outside shooter and consistently leverages his strength to plow through defenders for finishes inside or free throws.

While Dončić sat out Wednesday’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers, he joins Lendeborg as the second half of this dueling partnership in excellent form to begin 2026-27. He dropped 52-10-8-2 in a victory Sunday over the Utah Jazz and backed that up with 41-9-5-1 in a loss Tuesday to the Portland Trail Blazers. Through four games, the Slovenian is averaging a league-leading 36.0 points, 8.3 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals while shooting 60.5% on 2-pointers and 39.6% inside the arc.

Lendeborg oozes self-confidence. Dončić relishes any chance for some trash talk, especially if it prompts him to raise his game to another level. Both are playing excellent ball right now. Friday should be fun.

You can follow Jackson on Twitter at @jackfrank_jjf.