Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg just laid out his personal pitch to LeBron James, telling the NBA legend straight up that he’s “not the average rookie” as the Golden State Warriors chase the superstar this offseason. This isn’t just some casual shoutout. The Warriors are apparently out here crossing their fingers, hoping King James decides to sign with them, and their newest addition is already making big moves to reel him in.
Why Pressure Isn’t Real For This Rookie
Dude is *all in* on LeBron. Lendeborg told Nick Friedell of The Athletic that he specifically studied LeBron’s game as he grew up, calling him the guy he’s looked to. Think about that for a second. This rookie is modeling his whole approach after one of the greatest to ever do it. Lendeborg said LeBron has been operating at the “highest level since he was, like, 10” and carried “so much adversity on his back.” It’s deep, too, because Lendeborg even credited LeBron for his own belief that “pressure’s not real.” He heard LeBron say it in an interview, and the way he said it just stuck with him, making Lendeborg question if he was “just playing myself with this.” You hear that? This dude is straight up saying LeBron’s mindset is his motivation, showing the kind of mental toughness you want in a rookie stepping onto the big stage.
Lendeborg’s Unfiltered Message to The King
Now, the real spicy stuff. Lendeborg didn’t just quietly admire the guy. He put it all out there during a B/R livestream with NBA reporters Marc Stein and Jake Fischer last week. This rookie went for it, directly pitching LeBron to join the Warriors. His words? “My pitch is, man, I know you don’t like rookies that much, man, but I’m not the average rookie, you know, and I would love to learn under you, man.” Talk about confidence! He didn’t stop there either. Lendeborg kept it going, telling James, “So I mean, if you’re looking to play with one of the greatest,the greatest shooter of all time and a close friend of yours [Stephen Curry], Draymond [Green], it’ll be great to come to the Warriors, and we’ll be glad to have you.” He’s basically saying, “Come on over, learn from me, play with Steph and Draymond, what’s not to love?” It’s a bold play from a rookie who clearly isn’t afraid to speak his mind.
So, will LeBron take the bait from his biggest fan and join Stephen Curry and Draymond Green? The jury is still totally out on what James will decide for this offseason. But one thing’s for sure: Yaxel Lendeborg isn’t shy, and he’s proving to be a rookie to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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