Pacific Division Updates: Lendeborg’s MVP Summer, Warriors’ Two-Way Picture, Acuff’s Rough Start, Lakers’ Cap Room
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Las Vegas — Golden State rookie Yaxel Lendeborg capped the NBA 2K26 Summer League by claiming Most Valuable Player honors and guiding the Warriors to the tournament championship. After the title game, the former Michigan standout said he hopes the performance caught the attention of Warriors veterans Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
“I hope so, man,” Lendeborg told reporters when asked if Green was impressed. “We’re bringing championships; we win. You’ve got to respect it. Go Dubs, and hopefully they stick with me when the regular season starts.”
Warriors eye final two-way slot
Guards LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons currently occupy two of Golden State’s three two-way contracts. Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area reported that both players strengthened their cases in Las Vegas, with Cryer viewed as a potential candidate for a standard roster spot. Leons’ energy and defensive focus also drew praise, though his shooting remains a work in progress.
Second-round pick LaJae Jones, center Graham Ike and guard Chance McMillian are among the names in contention for the remaining two-way opening. Center Lachlan Olbrich, selected in the 2025 second round and most recently on Chicago’s Summer League roster, is also under consideration.
Kings lottery pick struggles
Sacramento’s No. 7 overall pick, guard Darius Acuff Jr., posted mixed results over five games split between the California Classic and Las Vegas. The former Arkansas guard averaged 20.8 points but shot 35% from the field and 27% from three while recording 23 assists against 19 turnovers, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted.
An anonymous Western Conference scout expressed concern: “A lot of rookie guards struggle in summer league … but [Acuff] was the loudest of the rookie lottery guards struggling. His defense wasn’t great, and his floor game was rough at times.”
Lakers remain below first apron
Following veteran-minimum agreements with Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams and reportedly Matisse Thybulle, the Los Angeles Lakers sit $8.1 million beneath the first tax apron, cap analyst Yossi Gozlan tweeted. Including Thybulle, Los Angeles now lists 16 players on fully guaranteed contracts, one above the regular-season limit. The cushion under the hard cap allows room for a two-for-one trade or sign-and-trade that would add salary.
Source: Hoops Rumors
