Draymond Green Dismisses Teaming Up With LeBron James On Lakers: 'Unless Bron Comes To Golden State'

Green and James have shared a fierce rivalry on the court, particularly during the four consecutive NBA Finals between Green's Warriors and James' Cavaliers from 2015 to 2018. Despite this intense competition, the two have maintained a close friendship off the court. 

This camaraderie has led many to speculate about the possibility of them playing together before they retire. However, Green dismissed these rumors, stating his intent to remain with the Warriors as long as the franchise will have him.

Green's loyalty to the Warriors is evident in his desire to win another championship with the team alongside long-time teammates Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. He expressed that nothing excites him more than the prospect of securing a fifth NBA title with the franchise where he has already achieved so much success.

Green's remarks underscore his unwavering dedication to the Warriors and his belief in their potential to continue competing for championships. While the idea of teaming up with James is appealing, Green's focus remains on contributing to Golden State's success and furthering his legacy with the team.

While the idea of Draymond Green and LeBron James playing together is an intriguing one, Green has made it clear that he intends to finish his career with the Warriors. Unless LeBron decides to make a move to Golden State, the two friends are unlikely to become teammates on the court.

Draymond Green Admits He Would Have Loved To Play With LeBron James

Draymond Green, known for his outspoken nature and fierce competitive spirit, recently admitted that he would have loved the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James. During an engaging discussion on the "Big Podcast with Shaq," hosted by Shaquille O’Neal, Green was asked which active NBA player he would most like to team up with. Without hesitation, the Warriors forward named LeBron James.

"I would’ve loved to play with LeBron. Not necessarily I want to be on his NBA team. But I would’ve loved the opportunity to play together. Because I want to see how his mind works on a day-to-day basis in the basketball setting."

"When I look at guys with IQ, I think that’s one of the best things about Bron. His IQ. And I can respect that and so I would have loved the opportunity just to see on a day-to-day basis how his mind works like when something is going on when there's an adjustment that needs to be made, how you process that, what's your process, like the things that you go through, how you land here or land there."

"I would have loved the opportunity." (39:12)

Green's admiration for James extends beyond mere friendship; it is deeply rooted in respect for LeBron's basketball intellect. He highlighted James' exceptional basketball IQ as a key reason for his desire to play alongside him, emphasizing that understanding LeBron's thought process on the court would be a valuable learning experience.

Interestingly, Green believed he might get the chance to fulfill his dream of playing with James at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the Team USA selection committee did not include him on the roster, a decision that dashed his hopes.

Over the years, Green and James have built a strong rapport, evolving from fierce rivals during the Warriors and Cavaliers ' consecutive NBA Finals matchups from 2015 to 2018 to close friends. Their relationship has been bolstered by their mutual appearances on platforms like "The Shop" and through business ventures led by James’ close associates, Maverick Carter and Rich Paul.

Despite their competitive history, the friendship between Green and James stands as a testament to their mutual respect and shared love for the game. Green’s admission underscores the high regard in which he holds James, not just as a player but as a brilliant basketball mind.