Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg says he will not undergo media training, defending his outspoken interview style after his opening-night exchange with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic.
Speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle on Monday, in an interview published on Friday, the forward rejected suggestions that he should change how he addresses reporters. “I’m going to stay true to myself, and be honest,” Lendeborg said.
He explained that rehearsed interviews often failed to hold his interest. He also rejected accusations that his comments were designed to attract clicks, maintaining that he was expressing what he genuinely believed.
His remarks followed an eventful National Basketball Association (NBA) debut on October 21, when the Lakers defeated Golden State 127-105 in Los Angeles.
Lendeborg and Doncic exchanged words during the second quarter as the rookie defended the Slovenian guard. Frustration over foul calls fueled the confrontation, and Lendeborg received a technical foul during the exchanges.
Afterwards, Lendeborg criticised Doncic’s complaints to officials. Doncic offered his own explanation after the game, saying that opponents’ trash talk brings out a different response from him. He finished with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
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Lendeborg recorded 12 points, three rebounds and two assists in his first league appearance.
Meanwhile, Warriors veteran Draymond Green defended the rookie’s willingness to speak openly and questioned criticism demanding a more restrained approach.
Coach Steve Kerr supported Lendeborg’s confidence but stressed that his performance had to match his words. Kerr also told him to avoid fouling Doncic in their next meeting.
(With additional input from NBC Sports Bay Area)
