The incident that occurred at the practice of the Golden State Warriors last week between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole has captivated the attention of the NBA world. Reading about the physical altercation is one thing, but seeing the video of it is a whole different story.
When a video of the practice leaked, people began coming down a little harder on Green. Known as a fiery competitor and someone not afraid to push boundaries, Green certainly went over the line when he struck Poole following the two going chest-to-chest with each other and Poole shoving him away.
Green has since apologized and is taking some time away from the team. Eligible for a contract extension, Green has certainly complicated his standing with the organization. It was going to be difficult to fit everyone’s contracts on the books in the future and Green may have just given the Warriors an excuse to move on from him.
That is something that likely wouldn’t sit well with Stephen Curry, who wants the team to keep him, Klay Thompson and Green together for their entire careers. But, at what point does enough become enough?
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Green has shown some signs of wear and tear as he has struggled to remain healthy in recent seasons. While he remains an effective defender given his versatility, his offensive game continues to erode.
Despite that, there are likely numerous teams that would line up for his services should the Warriors decide not to retain him long-term. One team that an NBA executive that spoke to NBA Analysis Network believes would be a suitor for Green is the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Draymond Green means a lot to the Warriors, but their financial situation will be tough to balance. If he tests the market, I could see the Lakers being an option for him. Competing with LeBron James would likely be appealing to him. Both have got a great relationship, and the Klutch ties are pretty clear already.”
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Klutch ties cannot be ignored as they regularly will push their clients to team up together. They are power brokers in the NBA and it is a big reason that Anthony Davis ended up with the Lakers in the first place. Klutch would likely love to have another client end up with the purple and gold if the opportunity presented itself.
The executive also touched on the fit of Green with the Lakers. Playing alongside LeBron James and Davis is something that should appeal to Green.
“The Lakers have much more to offer than just a chance to play with LeBron. Draymond has never played with a rim protector like Anthony Davis. Imagine those two together? That’s a great trio to have as a foundation. The rest would come down to finding shooters that can play some defense.”
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Patrick Beverley, who is currently on the Lakers but playing out an expiring contract, would certainly fit the 3-and-D mold the executive mentioned. Lonnie Walker IV, who signed as a free agent this offseason, would also fit the archetype Los Angeles would be on the lookout for.
Plenty of veteran free agents looking to contend for a ring would line up to join a trio of James, Davis and Green knowing the kind of potential that the team would possess. There would be elite defensive potential there with those three players and they would be legitimate contenders if they could successfully fill out the roster around them.
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