Steve Kerr Confirms Big Role For Yaxel Lendeborg Starting Season

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg will start Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. Lendeborg earned the starting role at small forward following strong preseason and summer league performances, breaking Kerr's typical pattern of avoiding heavy reliance on rookies early in their careers.

The rookie's expanded role comes as Golden State manages multiple key injuries, notably Jimmy Butler continuing his recovery from an ACL injury. The Warriors will also begin the season without Kristaps Porzingis, who remains sidelined indefinitely due to an unknown illness, and Moses Moody, who is recovering from a lingering issue.