Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg clears the air on his relationship with Draymond Green after the public callout.

Golden State Warriors guard Draymond Green clashed with rookie Yaxel Lendeborg over a text-message dispute that surfaced shortly after the 11th overall pick joined the franchise. Lendeborg revealed at his introductory press conference that he had reached out to Green after being drafted, but he hadn’t received a reply yet. Green later disputed that account on The Draymond Green Show, stating that he had answered almost immediately and publicly labeled the rookie a liar.

The exchange became a talking point during the NBA Summer League California Classic, where Lendeborg scored 19 points in the Warriors’ 104-72 win. When reporters asked Lendeborg about Green’s public claim, the rookie clarified that relations between them remained cordial. He noted that, although they are still in the early stages of their relationship as teammates, Green understood what he was asking about, but didn’t respond as promptly as Lendeborg expected. Lendeborg added that he appreciated Green’s ability to joke about the situation, reflecting a characteristic element of Green’s personality.

Media questions then turned to whether Lendeborg had spoken with Green after Green’s latest podcast episode. Lendeborg explained that he did respond to an Instagram post by Green, writing, “you know I asked you a question. It was a joke,” and that Green replied with a laugh, suggesting that both parties were fine.

The incident also drew attention to Green’s social-media interaction, with a post featuring a quoted exchange and a caption indicating that the two were “all good.” A video of Green’s Instagram Stories was cited as evidence of his response to the rookie.

Beyond the immediate dispute, Green teased the possibility of more intense rookie duties for Lendeborg. In a podcast, Green suggested that the Warriors do not typically engage heavily in rookie hazing, but hinted that a renewed focus on rookie responsibilities could unfold, especially if tensions persisted. He offered a lighthearted warning to Lendeborg to proceed cautiously as the season progresses, highlighting the tradition of rookie hazing as part of the NBA experience.

Rookie hazing has long been a part of professional basketball, often involving harmless pranks, and many first-year players have shared stories about their initiation. If the dynamic between Lendeborg and Green continues to evolve, there could be both playful exchanges and more structured rookie duties in the days ahead. The evolving relationship between a veteran star and a first-year player often shapes locker-room dynamics and media narratives during a team’s early season.