Former Arizona Western star Lendeborg earns NBA Summer League Finals MVP

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (KYMA) - Former Arizona Western College standout Yaxel Lendeborg capped an impressive NBA Summer League with a championship and MVP honors, helping the Golden State Warriors defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 94-90 in the title game.

Lendeborg, who was selected No. 11 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, delivered a dominant performance in the championship, finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds and two assists to earn Championship Game MVP honors.

The former Matador was one of the Warriors' most consistent performers throughout Summer League. In five games before the championship, Lendeborg averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals.

Lendeborg said the championship performance was the result of years of hard work and perseverance.

"It means a lot," Lendeborg said. "It comes from all the sacrifices, all the struggle to get to this point. Every game I play, I have something to prove to myself and to those who are doubting me and those who don't believe in me. So I'm just very proud of this moment. I'm glad that we got to win this."

Lendeborg's rise has continued since starring at Arizona Western, where he established himself as one of the top junior college players in the country before eventually becoming a first-round NBA draft pick.

With Summer League complete, Lendeborg now turns his attention to his rookie season with the Warriors, who are scheduled to open the regular season against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 6.