Warriors win over Lakers in Vegas, 101-89
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 13, 2026 at 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

On a night dominated by the apparent status of Kristaps Porzingis, the absence of the Latvian big was felt at times during the Golden State Warriors’ 101-89 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Steve Kerr’s intention to spread the floor in a so-called ‘5-out’ alignment banked on players who are able to space to floor — including their center. Porzingis happens to fit that profile, while also being 7-foot-3-inches. Without Porzingis — and also not having Al Horford available tonight — the Warriors were not only small, they were bereft of shooting and spacing personnel.

That was apparent at times during this game, where the Warriors were able to rally back from a significant deficit, albeit during a time when both teams’ main characters’ nights were finished (one of them, Luka Doncic, did not suit up for the Lakers).

Once again, it was rookie Yaxel Lendeborg who stood out. He finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in just under 24 minutes of time on the floor. He once again flashed familiarity and comfort as an offensive player within Steve Kerr’s often-intricate scheme while displaying motor and hustle that gave the Warriors a couple of second-chance points.

Lendeborg’s touted versatility as an offensive operator was apparent tonight. As an off-ball spacer, he has been showing promise, especially off of Steph Curry’s on-ball adventures through the pick-and-roll. Lendeborg can be a corner spacer taking advantage of ‘tag’ situations, as he does below:

Interestingly, Lendeborg can also be the main character in a spread pick-and-roll configuration, with Curry playing the role of mostly standstill spacer. Lendeborg has on-ball juice and the handle to be able to keep such possessions stable, while also making use of change-of-pace craft in order to create a window for him to score up close:

There is plenty of evidence with regard to Lendeborg’s role versatility on offense. Perhaps his most important role in a Curry offense is as a screener, either on or off the ball. Off the ball screening provides Lendeborg ample opportunity to take advantage of Curry’s gravity through slipped screens and subsequent cuts toward the rim:

There are, however, points of improvement for the young rookie. Lendeborg has work to do on the other end of the floor. He has the length and athleticism to make eye-popping defensive plays, but occasionally the little details escape him.

He has a knack for being out of position when defending the ball. He has a habit of standing straight up in lieu of being in a proper defensive stance. He can be caught with one foot leading out, enabling ball handlers to blow past him and taking advantage of his slow hip swivel.

Overall, Lendeborg has shown much more good than either bad or mediocre, which is a promising indicator of his ability to contribute right away — important, given the dearth of top-flight personnel surrounding Curry. However, Kerr made it a point that the team is far from where they want to be, although stating that they were ‘working on the right things.’

The Warriors will have their preseason finale on Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center.

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