Steve Kerr Reportedly Has Told Warriors Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg He ‘might Start'

Steve Kerr reportedly has told Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg he ‘might start' originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The biggest criticism of Yaxel Lendeborg among fans and analysts has been his age. But after an impressive NBA Summer League stretch that ended with the rookie earning MVP honors and the Warriors winning the title, the dialogue has shifted to how much impact the 23-year-old forward will have his first season.

The former Michigan Wolverine reportedly even has said that Warriors coach Steve Kerr has told him there’s a possibility that he could be a part of the starting rotation when the 2026-27 NBA season starts, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.

“I asked him about his early conversations with Steve Kerr, and he mentioned, ‘Hey, you know, Steve has a history of not playing rookies,’ but basically said, you know, he’s different, and Steve Kerr’s already told him he might start,” Slater said on “NBA Today” on Thursday (h/t TheNBABase/X).

Lendeborg had mentioned the potential to start as early as his introductory press conference – but that was prior to LeBron James announcing he wouldn’t return to the Los Angeles Lakers.

“The way that the team is looking now, I’m going to have a really good chance to play, and maybe even start,” Lendeborg told media members on June 26.

While the Warriors were reportedly one of James’ top suitors, he ultimately decided on Friday to join the Philadelphia 76ers.

So, with that possibility now shot down – and Jimmy Butler likely out until around the NBA All-Star break — the Lendeborg for starter train could potentially gain even more steam.

The 6-foot-9 forward played six games for the Warriors in summer league and averaged 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.5 steals in 28.3 minutes per game. He also shot 35.7 percent from 3-point range.

The Warriors may not have added LeBron to their starting five, but Lendeborg could be just the guy they need to round out their lineup.

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