NBA Exec Says Lakers' Redick Owes Yaxel Lendeborg 'Steak Dinner' for Luka Doncic Trash Talk

An anonymous NBA executive believes Golden State Warriors rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg gave Los Angeles Lakers superstar guard Luka Dončić some added motivation during their season opener this week.

Speaking to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, a Western Conference exec said, "Oh man, [Lakers coach] JJ [Redick] had to absolutely love that. He owes [Lendeborg] a steak dinner. Any time Luka is focused on trash-talking another player and not the refs is great for the ballclub, and nothing gets him going like that."

Dončić and Lendeborg were seen jawing at each other periodically throughout the Lakers' 127-105 win on Wednesday, and Lendeborg aired some grievances regarding Dončić after the game.

Following his NBA regular-season debut, Lendeborg took aim at Luka, telling reporters, "I had a lot of respect for him [because] I didn't really watch the NBA much. I just watched highlights and seen him kill people. But being in it firsthand and seeing all the whining and complaining, I lost all respect."

Warriors-Lakers Highlights

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Playing his first game with the Lakers in the post-LeBron James era, Dončić quickly put his stamp on the team, leading the way with 28 points, plus eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals.

Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler both reached the 20-point mark as well, suggesting that the Lakers' star trio could be a force to be reckoned with.

Dončić and the Lakers will be back in action on Friday night when they host the Los Angeles Clippers.