Former Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors forward Devean George said he had no problem with Yaxel Lendeborg’s trash talk about Luka Doncic, although he warned the rookie that it could backfire on the court.
George, a three-time NBA champion, was asked about the remarks at Los Angeles International Airport after Lendeborg’s first NBA game. The Golden State rookie had criticised Doncic for lobbying officials for foul calls following his team’s heavy defeat by Los Angeles.
“You may wake up a sleeping giant, but I like to compete. You shouldn’t just bow down. Just be careful what you ask for. If you’re out there talking, you might be embarrassed,” George said.
Lendeborg, 24, said he had “lost all respect” for Doncic and described him as a “free-throw merchant”. The rookie did, however, defend Doncic effectively during the game, even though the Lakers star still finished with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
George also explained that the freedom to engage in verbal exchanges often depends on a player’s role within the team.
“Me as a role player, I can’t talk, cause I can’t go at the guy I gotta guard,” he said, adding that his responsibility was to defend and then support his performance with points.
“If you got the green light to shoot, then go at him!”
