Yaxel Lendeborg patterns his game after a young NBA star, a Sixth Man award winner, arguably the greatest player ever and a legendary five-time NBA champion.
“One is Paolo (Banchero), I always tried to mimic his game,” said Lendeborg, during a session with media on June 11 at Chase Center in San Francisco about the Orlando Magic forward.
“(Minnesota Timberwolves big) Naz Reid as well. In a way, I try to mimic some of LeBron (James’) drives and how physical he is and how he uses his body, when to use it, stuff like that. And somebody I still watch to this day is, just highlights, is Magic Johnson. I learned a lot of different things. Little pieces from each player.”
The powerful first team-All-American was often called “Dominican LeBron” in leading the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship this past season.
“I really do (like the nickname),” Lendeborg added. “It was really fun being able to try to keep that legacy in a way (going), but it was very fun.”
Lendeborg is now looking to impress in team pre-draft workouts heading into the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23-24. He’s worked out for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors.
Standing 6-foot-8¾ with a 7-3¼ wingspan, Lendeborg said he has remaining workouts with the Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks. Several mock drafts have the 23-year-old small forward going from lottery selection to late first round.
“It makes me envision myself playing on (the Warriors) or the Thunder or the Heat, Charlotte, all those teams I’m getting mocked to go to,” Lendeborg said.
“It kind of gives me something to get attached to, but I can’t get too attached because maybe I don’t get picked by any of them and I’m going to be upset. Either way, it is nice to see that and it’s a blessing to be a part of it.”
Lendeborg participated in a workout at Golden State with familiar faces in Illinois guard Kylan Boswell and Tennessee big Felix Okpara. The Wolverines defeated the Fighting Illini in Big Ten play and blasted the Volunteers by 33 points in the Elite 8 in Chicago.
“It’s fun to be able to compete with such high-level guys,” Lendeborg said. “I try not to keep the hatred I had for those guys I played against during the season, but it’s really nice to be able to switch it and learn about those other guys and just go out there and compete.”
Boswell played at Arizona for his first two collegiate years before transferring to Illinois for his final two.
“It’s the same mentality I think we’ve had throughout our entire career, playing in the Big Ten especially,” Boswell said on his approach to pre-draft workouts, facing talent like Lendeborg. “There’s no harder conference in the nation so I’ve already been battle tested, I’m battle tested, but overall, you just come out here and play as hard as you can.”
Boswell said he’s worked out for the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards and Clippers. The 6-foot-1 guard looks to finish out with the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors.
Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines battles for a rebound with Felix Okpara #34 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
Lendeborg, Boswell and Okpara each said they didn’t work out for the Phoenix Suns, who have the 47th overall pick in the second round.
“It’s good, it’s fun,” said Okpara about competing against familiar faces in pre-draft workouts. He’s worked out for the San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, Magic, Clippers, Hawks, Wizards, Celtics and Warriors. The 6-foot-10 Okpara has additional workouts scheduled with the Denver Nuggets, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets and Raptors.
“Playing basketball in general is fun for me,” Okpara continued. “I love to compete and I love to win. I don’t want to get emotional, but I want to win every drill. Just seeing guys you played against in college, it’s really good, too, because you already know the scouting for them. It’s like kind of having a cheat sheet, but it’s just fun seeing them and just happy they’re going through the same process and just wishing them the best of luck.”
Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points on 51.5% shooting, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists to 1.1 turnovers, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals in 40 games in his one season with Michigan.
He’s been working on his 3 and defensive versatility in preparation for the NBA. Lendeborg shot 37.2% from deep for the Wolverines last season.
“I’ve got to get more fluid in my change of pace and my stance has got to be stronger, a stronger base, wider (on defense),” he said. “That’s my main key and second, would be a consistent 3-point shot. I’ve come a long way as far as the last three years shooting the ball so hopefully, I can keep improving.”
Lendeborg’s age has been a topic of conversation since teams typically look to take younger talent, particularly in the lottery. He’ll turn 24 on Sept. 30.
“If you can play, you can play,” Lendeborg said. “A lot of these younger prospects just been in the spotlight a little bit longer than I was, been playing since they were younger. Everybody’s path is different. Every time I get on the court, I’m going to showcase that. Whether it’s a guy that’s 30 or a guy that’s 18, I’m going to go out there and show who is better.”
Lendeborg is also rejecting the whole “upside” narrative like a chase down block.
“I think I have just as much as anybody else in this draft,” Lendeborg said. “I really don’t like the word ‘upside’ in a way because it’s basically like, ‘oh this guy can be better’ or not ‘will be better.’ If you’re better now, you can continue to try to get better every single day, but as far as upside, if you want to use that word, I think I have the same amount as anybody.”
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Yaxel Lendeborg patterns game after LeBron, Magic, others