​Las Vegas — Former Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg stepped onto the team bus as the Golden State Warriors began their journey to the Thomas and Mack Center on Thursday. As the bus got closer to the arena, Lendeborg had a moment where he shed a few tears.”I was like, ‘Man, I am really about to play here — Summer League in Las Vegas,'” Lendeborg said. “It’s been a long, long journey. I always get emotional thinking about it. I try to always reflect and remember my roots and all the struggles I’ve gone through, so I never change up.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLendeborg’s tears were not just a reflection of his joy at starting his NBA career; they represented the perspective he had gained on life. Six years ago, Lendeborg was a freshman prospect at Arizona Western College, working to build a foundation for his career at a junior college program.From the tedium atmosphere at the Matador Activity Center in Yuma, Ariz., to the vibrant lights of Las Vegas, Lendeborg is a lottery pick — selected No. 11 overall by the Warriors in last month’s NBA Draft. It has become one of the high points of his career, highlighted by leading the Wolverines to the national championship this past season.Warriors rookie and former Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg (1) reacts after dunking against the Mavericks in the second half of an NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 9 in Las Vegas.Lendeborg is three months away from making his official debut as the Warriors begin the 2026-27 regular season in mid-October, marking the start of his rookie year. However, the NBA Summer League has given him a head start on everything he needs to succeed and be productive in his first season.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement”It has been a true joy to play with Yaxel. He’s great,” Warriors forward Graham Ike said. “He is funny. Always cracking jokes and always playing music — a lot of 90’s R&B and singing. He is always having fun. But once we step in between those lines, it’s on. That dude is off the charts.”Lendeborg has guided the Warriors to a 2-0 start in Las Vegas, averaging 17.5 points on 48.1% shooting from the field and 50% from behind the arc, to go along with six rebounds and five assists.Lendeborg’s best performance through the first two games came in the Warriors’ opener on Thursday, when he led Golden State to a 101-90 victory over the Dallas Mavericks and former Michigan teammate Morez Johnson Jr., who recorded 27 points and eight rebounds. Lendeborg finished with a double-double of 21 points (8-for-13 shooting, 2-for-4 from deep), 10 rebounds and six assists.”It’s his overall skill set. He is a guy who can do a lot, with great professional size,” Warriors Summer League coach Khalid Robinson said. “He is a pick-and-roll ball handler. He has the ability to get downhill and transition with force and pace. He has been very impressive. He has also shot the ball very well.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLendeborg has emerged