The NBA Summer League often provides young players with their first opportunity to compete against familiar faces, and that was exactly the case when Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg squared off against former college teammate Aday Mara on Sunday night in Las Vegas.
The matchup featured two members of Michigan’s 2026 national championship team meeting as professional opponents for the first time. While the Warriors cruised to a convincing victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, much of the postgame attention centered on the friendly reunion between the former teammates.
Lendeborg embraced the moment throughout the game, but admitted afterward that staying completely focused while facing someone he had shared so many memorable experiences with was more difficult than expected. His candid response during a postgame interview quickly became one of the lighter moments of the Summer League.
Despite the friendly competition, Lendeborg continued to show why Golden State selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His balanced performance helped the Warriors improve their record in Las Vegas while offering another encouraging glimpse of his potential entering his rookie season.
1. Former Teammates Meet Again
Lendeborg and Mara built a strong connection during their time together at Michigan, where they played key roles in helping the Wolverines capture the 2026 NCAA national championship. Their successful partnership made them two of the more recognizable prospects entering this year’s NBA Draft.
After the season, both players began new chapters in their careers. Golden State selected Lendeborg with the 11th overall pick, while the Oklahoma City Thunder added Mara later in the first round to strengthen their frontcourt depth.
Their Summer League meeting marked the first time they had competed against each other as professionals. Although both players were focused on helping their respective teams, the familiarity between them added another layer of intrigue to the contest.
Following the game, a reporter reminded Lendeborg that he had said at halftime he wanted to avoid becoming distracted by facing his former teammate. Asked whether he had succeeded in making that adjustment, Lendeborg smiled and admitted that he had not, drawing laughs with his honest response.
2. Warriors Continue Strong Summer League
While the reunion generated plenty of attention, Golden State also delivered another impressive team performance. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 104-79 to remain undefeated during their Summer League campaign in Las Vegas.
The victory reflected a balanced offensive effort rather than relying on one standout scorer. Six Warriors reached double figures, highlighting the team’s depth and willingness to share the basketball throughout the contest.
Lendeborg contributed across several statistical categories, finishing with 14 points, four assists, three steals, and two rebounds. His performance demonstrated the versatility that made him an attractive prospect during the draft process.
He received plenty of support from his teammates. Nick Boyd also scored 14 points while adding two assists, Lachlan Olbrich matched that total and grabbed four rebounds, and Graham Ike provided 11 points and eight rebounds to help Golden State control the game from start to finish.
3. Building Toward the Regular Season
For Lendeborg, Summer League represents more than an opportunity to post impressive numbers. It serves as an important step in preparing for his first NBA season and adjusting to the pace and physical demands of the professional game.
His successful college career already demonstrated his ability to contribute in winning situations. Capturing a national championship at Michigan gave him valuable experience competing under pressure, something the Warriors believe will benefit him as he transitions to the NBA.
Golden State has emphasized player development throughout Summer League, allowing young prospects to gain confidence while learning the team’s system. Lendeborg’s all-around skill set, defensive activity, and playmaking ability have already stood out during the early stages of competition.
The Warriors will look to continue their unbeaten run when they face the Memphis Grizzlies in their next Summer League matchup. As Lendeborg gains additional experience and confidence, Golden State hopes he can carry his strong performances into training camp and eventually earn meaningful opportunities during his rookie campaign.