Stephen A. Smith backs Yaxel Lendeborg over ‘whining’ Luka Doncic criticism

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It didn’t take Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg long to become polarizing.

The 24-year-old got into a trash talking match with Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić during last night’s game, which caused the rookie to lose “all respect” for Dončić.

Many people gained respect for Lendeborg for his willingness to verbally spar with one of the league’s best players in his first NBA game.

Among these is Stephen A. Smith, who backed Lendeborg’s actions during Thursday’s “First Take” episode.

“I don’t agree with what Lendeborg said, because Luka Dončić does not suck. I mean, he’s a superstar in this game. So, in that regard, no, I don’t agree with him. But I do agree with him going after Luka the way that he did, competing the way that he competed,” Smith said.

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Smith then praised praised Lendeborg as a player before adding, “Here’s why I’m supportive in what Yaxel is saying: He’s saying, ‘If you’re so great, stop whining to the officials. Just go out there, and if you’re gonna bust my a**, bust my a**. But stop whining to the officials looking to them for help.’

“I was really, really ticked off when that referee gave Yaxel Lendeborg that technical foul in the second quarter… I’m calling out the NBA. NBA gotta stop that nonsense! Let them talk!” he continued.

It sounds like Lendeborg earned Smith’s respect.

Regardless of where fans side on this, the next time Golden State and Los Angeles square off (which is on October 30) just became must-see TV.