Warriors Fans Boo Lakers Star as Rookie Rivalry Intensifies

Lakers guard Luka Doncic faced a hostile reception from Golden State Warriors fans during Friday night’s game at the Chase Center. The crowd began booing less than a minute into the first quarter, chanting that he was not welcome in the building.

The animosity stems from the October 21 season opener between the two teams. During that game, Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg received a technical foul after admitting he directed profanity toward Doncic. Lendeborg later told reporters that he lost respect for the Lakers star because he appeared to be whining and complaining.

The tension carried over into Friday’s matchup. Before tip-off, Lendeborg arrived at the arena dressed as Michael Myers, the character from the horror movie franchise. His costume choice served as a visual statement of the rivalry that had developed since their last meeting.

Doncic responded to the noise on the court. He hit a three-pointer directly in front of Lendeborg early in the first quarter, putting the Lakers up 5-0. The team followed that lead with a 12-0 scoring run that forced Golden State to call its first timeout.

By the midway point of the second quarter, Doncic had accumulated 21 points while Lendeborg remained scoreless. The Lakers maintained their lead, but the Warriors staged a comeback near the end of the half. Steph Curry scored 14 points as part of a 10-0 run by Golden State.

The two teams entered the break tied at 53-53. The first half ended with Doncic holding a total of 24 points. The matchup is expected to continue with the second half later in the evening.