Projected 2026 NBA lottery pick Yaxel Lendeborg has already envisioned what life alongside Stephen Curry might look like.
After coming fresh off a national championship-winning season at Michigan, Lendeborg worked out for the Golden State Warriors on Thursday ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft.
The versatile forward is widely projected as a first-round selection and has frequently been linked with Golden State, which owns the No. 11 overall pick.
Yaxel Lendeborg Opens Up About Potentially Joining Stephen Curry at The Warriors
Speaking during his post-workout media session at Chase Center, Lendeborg was asked about the possibility of sharing the floor with Curry. The Michigan star didn’t hide his admiration for the four-time NBA champion, describing it as a dream opportunity.
“Man, it’ll be amazing,” Lendeborg said. “He provides so much gravity on the court that it really makes it super easy for other guys to score or other guys to just showcase any ability that they have.”
Lendeborg revealed he spent years in his childhood defending Curry’s greatness during debates with friends while growing up. The possibility of eventually becoming teammates with the Warriors superstar is something he still finds amusing.
“Man, that would be amazing. He provides so much gravity on the court that it really makes it super easy for other guys to score.”
Yaxel Lendeborg on what it would be like to play with Steph if he gets drafted to the Warriors pic.twitter.com/54Ep5euMZz
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“I’ve been having so many arguments going against them when I was young with my best friend and now if I’ll be able to play with him, it’ll be kind of funny being on the other end,” Lendeborg added.
The 23-year-old also praised Curry after having met him on two occasions previously.
“I’ll be very excited to get the opportunity. He’s a great player, great human being as well,” Lendeborg said. “I got to meet him about twice, so it’s really nice and I feel like I’ll learn a lot playing with him as well.”
Lendeborg will enter the NBA Draft after a standout season at Michigan in which he helped lead the Wolverines to a national championship while earning Consensus All-American honors, Big Ten Player of the Year recognition, and a place on the Big Ten All-Defensive Team.
Yaxel Lendeborg Feels He Could Be an Ideal Fit for the Warriors
Lendeborg’s admiration for Curry goes beyond simply dreaming of playing alongside one of the greatest players in NBA history. Asked what he could bring to the Warriors if selected in the draft, Lendeborg pointed to his skill set and ability to provide support whenever Curry heads to the bench.
“I would say, like five assists a game maybe to start off,” Lendeborg told reporters. “A lot of defense, fastbreak opportunities for me. Depending on if I’m here or anywhere else, my role will be a lot different. But if I was here, I’ll be more like a secondary ball-handler. Whenever Steph is taken out of the game, I’ll be there to assist, maybe provide a little more offense or instant offense.”
Those comments may resonate with Warriors fans. Golden State has spent years searching for answers during the non-Curry minutes, with the offense often struggling whenever the two-time MVP is off the floor.
Lendeborg’s skill set suggests he could help address that issue. During his lone season at Michigan, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 52% from the field, 37.2% from beyond the arc, and 82.4% from the free-throw line.
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The Michigan product also revealed the players he studies most are LeBron James, Paolo Banchero, Naz Reid, and Magic Johnson. Lendeborg has earned the nickname “Dominican LeBron” during his basketball journey, and he admitted he embraces the comparison.
“I do. I really do,” Lendeborg said when asked about the nickname. “It was really fun trying to keep that legacy.”
It remains to be seen whether the Warriors will select him. However, if Golden State is looking for an NBA-ready prospect capable of complementing Curry, Lendeborg is brimming with confidence that his skill set can make an immediate impact from Day 1.
