News Article
Published
Oct 22, 2026 at 10:56 AM EDT
Draymond Green has sent a clear message to Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg after his heated exchange with Luka Doncic.
Rather than telling the rookie to back down, Green had an unexpected response to the whole situation.
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“Everyone will say the rookie learned his lesson. What he learn? The next time he see him, go at his [expletive] again.”
Green's comments came after the Warriors lost 127-105 to the Lakers in their season opener on Wednesday.
Doncic dominated the matchup, finishing with 28 points, seven assists and eight rebounds. He also delivered one of the night's biggest moments with a half-court shot at the halftime buzzer.
Lendeborg, meanwhile, made headlines for his aggressive approach against the six-time All-Star. The rookie exchanged words with Doncic throughout the game and received a technical foul during the confrontation.
The tension continued after the final buzzer.
"I lost all respect (for Doncic), man," Lendeborg said after the game.
Green's response suggests the Warriors veteran does not want the rookie to become intimidated by the experience. Facing an established superstar can be a difficult introduction to the NBA, but Green believes Lendeborg should maintain his confidence.
The Warriors will get another chance to face the Lakers on Oct. 30 in San Francisco. That game could give Lendeborg an early opportunity to show what he learned from his first matchup with Doncic.
Green's advice is simple. Do not back down. Learn from the experience, improve, and be ready to compete again.