What started as a harmless exchange of words over text messages has quickly turned into the latest chapter of a long-running Michigan-Michigan State rivalry, with fans weighing in from both sides.
During the introductory press conference, Yaxel Lendeborg said that NBA star Draymond Green hadn’t responded to his messages after draft night.
Shortly after, the four-time NBA champion posted screenshots of their conversation on Instagram, showing that he had responded within minutes of receiving Lendeborg’s message.
Alongside the screenshots, Green wrote, “Staying true to the name scUM bUMs!” and added, “Proof that I did text @yaxellendeborg back! Rookie Hazing heating up for these lies Rook.”
The messages painted a much friendlier picture than what Lendeborg’s initially suggested.
He added, “I’m an open book and it’s my job to help make sure you are successful and that you take this franchise over next.”
Lendeborg responded by reposting Green’s screenshots on his own Instagram Story, telling followers, “Yo this guy here man 😂😂 y’all go check the times and get back to me man😂.”
The exchange reignited the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry, with Wolverines supporters quickly coming to Lendeborg’s defense.
“Little bro Draymond is big mad. Why so mad little bro?” one fan wrote.
Another added, “There it go Yax tell em it’s still big blue and yellow.”
Others, however, didn’t see much controversy in the screenshots themselves.
“Draymond seemed very helpful and complimentary of Yaxel in these texts? Am I missing something here lmao? Seems like y’all trying to create a narrative already,” another user commented.
One fan believed both players were simply having fun, writing, “If I have to really look into this…they are trolling.”
Another joked, “Knows his teammate already, rage bait Draymond to make him play better.”
Yaxel Lendeborg Gives Blunt Opinion On Warriors Roster
Speaking with ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Lendeborg revealed his early conversations with the coach.
“He doesn’t normally play rookies as much. He has a history of that. But the way the team is looking right now, I’m going to have a really good chance to play, maybe even start,” Lendeborg said.
“So, just having that hope gives me extra motivation just to go out there and be one of the new guys that actually does that and builds a reputation right away,” he added.
For now, the interaction appears to be nothing more than playful banter between two players whose college rivalry followed them to the NBA. With Green embracing his NBA role while still taking the opportunity to remind Lendeborg where his Michigan State loyalties lie.
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