Stephen A Smith Backs Up Yaxel Lendeborg’s Luka Doncic Insults

ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith supported Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg following his on-court trash talk and postgame criticism of Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic. The exchange occurred during the Lakers' opening-night blowout victory over the Warriors on October 21, 2026. Following the game, Lendeborg stated he lost all respect for Doncic due to his continuous whining and complaining to game officials.

Smith agreed with Lendeborg's critique, arguing that Doncic should stop complaining to referees for favorable calls and focus on his play. Warriors teammates Draymond Green and Stephen Curry also backed Lendeborg for standing his ground against the superstar. Joey Haverford writes that Lendeborg faces heightened expectations to perform while Golden State awaits the return of injured players like Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and Kristaps Porzingis.