Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has weighed in on the trash talk between Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg and Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, advising Lendeborg to remain silent after a significant defeat.
Lendeborg reportedly engaged in relentless trash talk directed at Doncic during their Opening Night matchup. The two are set to face each other again on Friday night when the Warriors and Lakers meet for the second time this season.
Barkley, speaking on the situation, expressed that he has no issue with rookies showing excitement and chirping at star players. "I think rookies get excited to play against great players and I have no problem with that," Barkley stated. "When you’re a great player, you’re everybody’s big game. Those kids grew up watching you, so it’s a big deal."
However, Barkley drew a line at Lendeborg's post-game remarks following the Warriors' 30-point loss to the Lakers. "I didn’t like the stuff after the game because number one when you get your ass kicked by 30 you probably should shut the hell up," Barkley said.
Lendeborg himself has acknowledged that he may have overstepped with his comments after the game. "I feel like I did kinda take it overboard in the media, but it is what it is," he admitted.
The upcoming game will provide an opportunity to see if the Warriors rookie has learned from the experience and if he continues his on-court exchanges with Doncic, and whether he chooses to comment on the Lakers star afterward, particularly if his team loses.