Luka Dončić trash‑talks Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg after Lakers’ season‑opening win

The Lakers’ 127‑105 opening‑night win over Golden State featured a heated exchange between Luka Dončić and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, with the Slovenian star calling the rookie’s comments “crazy.”

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 22 Oct 2026 08:36:25 GMT

Los Angeles – In the Lakers’ 127‑105 season‑opening victory over the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21, 2026, Luka Dončić and rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg traded trash talk, culminating in Dončić labeling Lendeborg’s remarks “crazy.”

What happened

The game at Crypto.com Arena saw the Lakers dominate early, building a 66‑52 halftime lead after Dončić nailed a buzzer‑beating half‑court shot. Lendeborg logged 12 points, four fouls and a technical in 29 minutes, while Dončić finished with a game‑high 28 points.

What the reports add

According to the New York Post’s Oct. 22 story, Lendeborg said he lost “all respect” for Dončić after hearing the Slovenian’s constant complaining throughout the game. The same outlet’s earlier Oct. 21 piece noted that the two players exchanged barbs for most of the second quarter, with Dončić continuing to address Lendeborg even after the rookie was subbed out. A third Post article published later on Oct. 22 quoted Dončić saying, “He was talking crazy,” in reference to Lendeborg’s remarks.

What was said

“Being in there firsthand, just watching all the whining and complaining, I lost all respect, man,” Lendeborg told reporters after the game, as reported by the New York Post.
“He was talking crazy,” Dončić said, according to the same outlet.

How it came about

Lendeborg entered the season with high expectations after a strong preseason, highlighted in Felo News’ Oct. 8 profile that noted coach Steve Kerr’s confidence in his heavy minutes. The Warriors had previously beaten the Lakers 101‑89 in a preseason matchup on Oct. 14, where Lendeborg tied for the team lead with 17 points. Dončić, meanwhile, had been the focus of several Felo pieces in September, including a mini‑camp to build Lakers chemistry and clarification that he would not assume a front‑office role. The opening‑night clash marked the first regular‑season meeting between the two rookies‑turned‑stars, setting the stage for the on‑court confrontation.

Key facts

Lakers beat Warriors 127‑105 in the season‑opening game on Oct. 21, 2026. (nypost.com)
Luka Dončić scored 28 points, including a buzzer‑beating half‑court shot before halftime. (nypost.com)
Yaxel Lendeborg finished with 12 points, four fouls and one technical in 29 minutes. (nypost.com)
Lendeborg said he lost “all respect” for Dončić after the game. (nypost.com)
Dončić described Lendeborg’s comments as “talking crazy.” (nypost.com)