Stephen Curry responded with humor after Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg said he once hated the veteran star.

The interaction highlights the team's culture of integration as the franchise welcomes new talent into its roster following the 2026 NBA Draft [1].

Lendeborg was selected as the 11th overall pick [1] during the draft on Tuesday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York [1]. During the event, the rookie revealed that he had previously been a fan of Kyrie Irving and had not looked favorably upon Curry.

"I used to hate you," Lendeborg said [2].

Curry reacted to the admission with a light-hearted approach to the rookie's preference for another player. The Warriors star said he was ready to change the newcomer's mind about him.

"I'll work hard to become your favorite," Curry said [3].

The exchange occurred amidst the celebrations of the draft night, where the Warriors added Lendeborg to their rotation. While the rookie's comments were candid, Curry's response shifted the focus toward building a positive relationship between the franchise leader and the new addition.

Lendeborg's admission about his admiration for Irving and his previous dislike of Curry served as a viral moment for the draft, a night usually defined by scouting reports and contract projections. By addressing the comment with humor, Curry avoided any potential tension that could arise from a rookie's public preference for a rival player.

“"I used to hate you"”

This interaction serves as a strategic exercise in team chemistry. By using humor to deflect a rookie's admission of dislike, Curry reinforces his role as a stabilizing leader who can integrate diverse personalities into the Warriors' ecosystem without creating friction.