Yaxel Lendeborg finds himself in some impressive company early in his NBA career.

The Golden State Warriors rookie recorded 26 points and nine rebounds in Wednesday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Through his first five career games, Lendeborg is now averaging 22.6 points and 9.2 rebounds.

According to the NBA, Lendeborg is the first player since Shaquille O'Neal in 1992 to average at least 20 points and nine rebounds through his first five NBA games.

Anytime you're in the same conversation as O'Neal, you know you're doing something right.

Yaxel Lendeborg is the first player since Shaquille O'Neal in 1992 to average 20+ points (22.6) and 9+ rebounds (9.2) in his first five career games. Lendeborg and the @warriors host the @Lakers tomorrow at 10 PM ET on @NBAonPrime on the first night of the @emirates NBA Cup 2026.

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) October 29, 2026

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Lendeborg had a relatively quiet debut, finishing with 12 points and three rebounds. Since then, he's been a different player. 

Here's how he's performed over his last four games:

  • 18 points and 13 rebounds in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies
  • 26 points and nine rebounds in a loss to the Phoenix Suns
  • 31 points and 12 rebounds in a win over the Denver Nuggets
  • 26 points and nine rebounds in a win over the Timberwolves

It's particularly impressive given Lendeborg's unconventional path to the NBA.

The 24-year-old played at Arizona Western and UAB before transferring to Michigan, where he won Big Ten Player of the Year and helped the Wolverines capture the national championship.

After six seasons in college, the Warriors selected him with the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

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Golden State's bet was that Lendeborg's experience would help him contribute immediately. So far, he's delivering — and then some.

Lendeborg will look to continue his strong play on Friday, when the Warriors host Luka Doncic's Lakers.

The matchup carries extra intrigue after Lendeborg said he lost "all respect" for Doncic following their heated exchange in Golden State's season-opening loss to Los Angeles.

After averaging 27.7 points over his last three games, Lendeborg enters the matchup with a lot more momentum than he had in his NBA debut.

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