College rivalries are the running theme in the Bay. But this time there were fireworks when the rookie Wolverine teamed up with the resident Spartan. Yaxel Lendeborg doesn’t just bring the young spark to the Golden State Warriors. He’s reviving rivalries. Not only is Stephen Curry trying to outdo Kyrie Irving in Yaxel’s books, he’s provoking Draymond Green with the historic rivalries between their schools. Amid their epic back and forth with days of the Warriors selecting the 23-year-old forward, Lendeborg recently addressed their relationship.

After an impressive double-double display at the Summer League, Lendeborg stopped by SportsCenter with his former Michigan teammate, Morez Johnson Jr. When asked directly if he’s getting along with Draymond Green and whether fans should be concerned about their chemistry, Yaxel was pretty clear that it’s a healthy rivalry.

“No need to be concerned,” Lendeborg said. “Me and Draymond, you know, just friendly banter. Friendly banter. You know, we’re all good. I’m glad that he’s able to play around with me like that, crack jokes with me…”

Then came the most awkward pause as if he physically can’t call a Michigan State alum ‘a friend.’ It was so hilarious and drawn out, Morez playfully yelled, “Pause!”

Fortunately for the locker room chemistry, Lendeborg managed to overcome the awkward silence and continue his reassuring speech.

“… Crack jokes with me like that, and you know, just building some type of chemistry early. You know, I’m obviously the new guy on the block. So, just being able to, you know, kind of get the veteran on my side a little bit means a lot to me. And, you know, we’re going to do a lot about the rivalry of Michigan, Michigan State. We all know who’s superior. Obviously, Michigan, but you know, I’m going to keep letting him hear as long as I can.”

That last line was the clearest signal yet that Lendeborg isn’t just settling in, he’s setting the record straight. He was doubling down, making it known that the Michigan-Michigan State needle will run all season long, on his terms.

Morez seems to approve the message on the side. But the hosts at SportsCenter warned him to be “careful there” when dealing with Green.

Lendeborg, who just capped off an illustrious collegiate career by leading the Michigan Wolverines to a 2026 NCAA National Championship, recognized his position as a newcomer attempting to integrate into a veteran-led locker room. But that didn’t stop him from stoking the flames of an ongoing collegiate rivalry with Draymond Green, a proud Michigan State alumnus.

Dub Nation started dusting off their Wolverine and Spartan gear the moment Yaxel Lendeborg put on the Warriors hat. From his very first press conference as an NBA player, he was ready to provoke Dray’s fierce competitive energy.

After he claimed that Green was the only veteran who didn’t text him, Green pulled out the receipts. He not only posted their chat, he also warned, “Rookie Hazing heating up for these lies Rook.” Green even went on a campaign on his podcast to claim he had responded to Yaxel immediately.

It gets funnier when Green claimed he’d give up the #23 (both wore that number at their respective alma maters), if Lendeborg wore Spartan gear throughout his rookie season. That was a hard no from the Wolverine who claimed #1 for himself.

Lendeborg’s refusal was less about the jersey number and more about the statement- he wasn’t about to let Green rewrite the rivalry’s terms.

Despite the comedic friction off the court, Lendeborg’s focus on the floor has been seamless. Following a stellar 19-point debut in the California Classic, where he went a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc, Lendeborg continued his strong Summer League campaign with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists in Vegas today.

The versatile 6-foot-9 forward’s immediate impact on both ends of the floor underscores why Golden State values his presence as they look to integrate fresh talent into their established core.

Off the court, he’s already proven he can hold his own against a veteran in the war of words. On it, he’s proving the pick was worth it, rivalry and all.