Yaxel Lendeborg’s fiery approach to the game is part of the reason for his success, but the Warriors rookie may have crossed a line when he said he “lost all respect” for Lakers star Luka Doncic following their first meeting. Appearing on “Inside the NBA” (Twitter video link), coach Steve Kerr talked about how he handled the situation, relays Dan Dempster of NBC Sports Bay Area.

“We talked to him as a staff; we talked as a team,” Kerr said. “Steph (Curry) had a great comment after that Laker game. He said, ‘Hey, I love Yaxel’s competitive desire, but now he’s got to back it up,’ and I thought that was perfectly said. So, I kind of reiterated that with Yaxel, like, hey — we love this spirit, we love the competitiveness, but just know that Luka’s going to be coming.” 

Predictably, Doncic was ready for the rematch, scoring 37 points, including six three-pointers. Kerr understands the balancing act with Lendeborg of trying to stoke his aggressiveness without making it counterproductive.

“There’s an old saying in coaching — you’d rather rein a guy back in than try to get him going,” Kerr said. “And I think that’s true with Yaxel. He wants to be great. He’s got this competitive spirit. So, in terms of reining him in, it’s more just — hey, this is what the league is about. You’re going to see these kinds of challenges all the time. And do what Steph did: back it up. And Yaxel’s been doing that. So, I love coaching him. I think he’s got an incredible future.” 

There’s more from the Pacific Division:

• Kerr wasn’t able to offer much insight into Kristaps Porzingis’ status with the Warriors, per Nick Friedell (Twitter link). Asked if he’s received an explanation on why Porzingis isn’t with the team, Kerr replied, “I haven’t been given one. Nor have I asked for one.”
• Adou Thiero is getting closer to making his season debut with the Lakers, according to Khobi Price of The California Post. The second-year forward practiced with the team’s G League affiliate on Wednesday and may be ready to play Friday or Sunday. “Practice was fine, went well,” coach JJ Redick said. “That was the plan just to get him a live practice today and then he’ll be back with us.”
• Suns forward Rasheer Fleming was unavailable for Wednesday’s game after hurting his ankle during Tuesday’s practice, states Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. “We had a little ‘stay ready’ group,” coach Jordan Ott explained. “He was working out. It was actually in the halfcourt in a 3-on-3 situation. Just rolled it. Nothing serious. We think it’s more day-to-day than week-to-week.”