The Golden State Warriors opened their California Classic Summer League campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 104-72 at Chase Center behind a standout performance from first-round draft pick Yaxel Lendeborg.
Lendeborg wasted little time making an impact in his first appearance for the Warriors. The rookie led the team with 19 points while adding six rebounds, showcasing his scoring touch and versatility on both ends of the floor. His hot start helped Golden State establish control early and set the tone for a convincing victory.
Golden State's offense clicked throughout the night, with Will Richard providing strong support from beyond the arc as the Warriors consistently stretched the Lakers' defense. Their efficient shooting helped the home side build a 57-33 halftime lead before comfortably pulling away in the second half.
The Warriors' defensive intensity also played a major role. They forced the Lakers into difficult shots, controlled the boards and converted defensive stops into easy transition baskets, preventing Los Angeles from mounting any meaningful comeback.
For the Lakers, first-round selection Cameron Carr was a bright spot, finishing with a team-high 19 points and knocking down five three-pointers. However, Los Angeles struggled to generate consistent offense outside of Carr, while its lack of chemistry was evident in its opening Summer League outing.
The victory gives the Warriors a strong start to the California Classic and offers encouraging signs from several of their young prospects, particularly Lendeborg, whose all-around display highlighted why the organization invested a first-round pick in him.
With plenty of games still to come before the Las Vegas Summer League, Golden State will look to build on an impressive opening performance as its young roster continues to develop.
