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Warriors’ yaxel Lendeborg Named Nba Summer League Championship Game Mvp

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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 19: Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after receiving the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship MVP Trophy after winning the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship on July 19, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

In today’s Dub Hub:

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg put the finishing touches on an impressive Summer League campaign Sunday night.

The 11th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft was named the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship Game MVP after helping lead Golden State to a 94-90 comeback win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The victory completed a successful Summer League for the Warriors, with Lendeborg emerging as one of the biggest rookie standouts in Las Vegas.

"Every game I play I have something to prove to myself… I'm just very proud of this moment and I'm glad we got to win this."

Congratulations to the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship Game MVP, #11 overall pick @Yaxel_Lendeborg ???? pic.twitter.com/iXSxTbv9AJ

— NBA (@NBA) July 20, 2026

Lendeborg finished tied for a game-high 21 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the field, along with 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals. However, his biggest contributions came down the stretch. Trailing by 10 entering the fourth quarter, the Warriors outscored the Grizzlies 28-14, with Lendeborg accounting for seven of Golden State’s final 10 points, including a pair of go-ahead buckets that gave the Warriors the lead late in the game.

No. 11 overall pick @Yaxel_Lendeborg capped off his NBA Summer League campaign in style:

???? 21 PTS
???? 11 REB
???? Championship Game MVP

The @warriors are the 2026 NBA Summer League champions!pic.twitter.com/wcPpKkvI6g

— NBA (@NBA) July 20, 2026

Overall, the Warriors’ rookie left a strong first impression during his first stint with the organization. He displayed an advanced feel for the game and consistently made winning plays on both ends of the floor. His outside shot looks like it could become a legitimate weapon after shooting 35.7% from three-point range throughout Summer League, while his defensive instincts were encouraging despite a few off-ball lapses that should improve with more NBA conditioning and experience.

Most importantly, Lendeborg delivered when the lights were brightest, saving one of his best performances for the championship game and walking away with MVP honors. For a veteran-led Warriors team looking to maximize what’s left of its championship window, Lendeborg’s ability to contribute right away could prove to be one of the biggest developments of the offseason.

“I live for this moment right here.” ????

Yaxel Lendeborg sounds off on Golden State's 2026 NBA Summer League Championship win! https://t.co/Gzm6r2qFfdpic.twitter.com/EbOKlSQo6B

— NBA (@NBA) July 20, 2026

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Monday, July 20th:

Warriors News:

Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg wins Summer League MVP — and keeps turning heads | The Athletic

“For me, I’m gonna do anything that the team needs,” Lendeborg said. “As for right now, for this specific team, it’s more so being a secondary playmaker, hitting open 3s when needed obviously and just taking the pressure off some of the older guys. Steph (Curry), I know he gets double-teamed, triple-teamed, fouled, hacked all the time. So it’s, like, maybe (in) the chance when he gets tired, I can relieve that pressure for him.

“So, just trying to be an easy outlet in a way. Do whatever’s needed.”

Yaxel Lendeborg and Will Richard debate whose national championship team was better

"If he's guarding me I'll go for 35 maybe 40!"

Warriors teammates @Yaxel_Lendeborg and @willrxch won an NBA Summer League Championship together, but the friendly banter between the two National Champions continues ???? pic.twitter.com/d3GVfgE1dj

— NBA Future Starts Now (@nbafuturenow) July 20, 2026

Warriors reveal their 2026 home preseason schedule

Warriors announce 2026 home preseason schedule: pic.twitter.com/TCD2IGMkqx

— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) July 20, 2026

NBA News:

Thunder send Dort to Hawks in 3-team trade; Mavericks get Risacher | ESPN

Rather than simply declining Dort’s $17.7 million team option to save money, the Thunder picked it up, acquired three future assets, created a $17 million trade exception and placed their 2025 championship stalwart in position for a long-term deal in Atlanta that was not viable for Oklahoma City.

“This was a financial decision. The impression I have been given is that the savings generated this summer, and from being out of the tax the last several years, will be re-allocated to future teams,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti told The Oklahoman.

What I’m hearing about the Lakers: Jonathan Kuminga, roster overhaul and two-way drama | The Athletic

The Athletic has reported on the Lakers’ interest in free agent Jonathan Kuminga since late June, but it appears that momentum has stalled with the sides far apart on terms and L.A. not overly motivated to push significant draft capital into sign-and-trade scenarios. Still, he appears to be the biggest upside play left on the table, and could re-emerge as a target if his market remains tepid. Cleveland, according to league sources, is the team most-often connected to Kuminga other than the Lakers.

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Patrick Beverley hints at LeBron James making a decision today

It’s unclear if Beverley, who played with James on the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022-23, has any reason to believe that claim, or if he’s just having fun on social media. Anyone who has followed this era of the NBA knows that the three-time All-Defense selection is always looking for a way to have a good quote go viral. But then again, NBA players do move in their own social circles, and it’s entirely plausible that Beverley has actually heard something.

Follow @unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.