Are Draymond Green and LeBron James friends? Exploring their relationship in the wake of Green's praise for LA Lakers star
Draymond Green recently shared high praise for LeBron James as he labeled the LA Lakers superstar as the greatest face the NBA has ever seen while speaking with Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today Sports:
"The thing I think is most impressive about the longevity and what’s he’s done is the game has changed dramatically since he entered the league and probably three, four different brands of basketball since he’s been in the league. He’s been at the top no matter what the game did."
Green added:
"When you look at those three things [consistency, longevity and durability as a player], it’s a testament to how he lives his life. I recently said he’s the greatest face the NBA has ever had. Think about the day and age we live in - cameras, social media - he’s never had a scandal. Never been arrested. Never photo’d drunk. Those things go hand in hand with durability, longevity, consistency."
Despite competing for four championships on the court, Green and James have developed a strong friendship off the court. The two stars are often seen hanging out and LeBron was a guest at Green's star studded wedding this past offseason. Green and James are both signed to Klutch Sports, while they have also become business partners in the past several years.
Could Draymond Green and LeBron James team up in the future?
Draymond Green and LeBron James have seen their friendship blossom off the court. There has been speculation that the two long-time rivals could eventually become teammates. LeBron previously shared that the Golden State Warriors were the 2022 postseason team that he would be most interested in joining, however, the path for Green to join the LA Lakers appears to be a lot clearer.
Green holds a $27.6 million player option for the 2023-24 season and there has been speculation that the Warriors may let the four-time All-Star walk in free agency if he exercises his option. While it is unclear how his market would take shape, there have been rumors that there could be mutual interest between Green and the Lakers if he is a free agent.
The Lakers will likely have the cap space necessary to sign Green, and he serves as an on-court fit with LeBron James and co-star Anthony Davis. Green may not be the Lakers' first option, however, if they strike out on the top free agents in the class, he would not be a bad consolation prize.