Draymond Green, Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith added fuel to the NBA trade deadline conversation after addressing the growing chatter around Draymond Green and a potential link to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Speaking on ESPN, Smith reacted to recent reporting and comments that have tied Green’s name to trade discussions and revived long-standing curiosity about whether Green and LeBron James could ever play together. Smith did not mince words when laying out why he believes the idea presents real challenges.
“[Draymond Green] wants to play with LeBron James, okay?” Smith said. “If he goes to the Los Angeles Lakers, nobody misses more open three-pointers than the Lakers. Draymond will get the ball to people, but who’s going to make the shot?”
Smith added that such a scenario would be “problematic,” pointing to roster construction and shooting concerns rather than questioning Green’s basketball IQ or competitiveness.
Warriors Trade Context Raises Stakes
Smith’s comments arrived at a time when Green’s future with the Golden State Warriors has drawn unusual scrutiny. ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported earlier this week that Golden State has included Green in active trade conversations ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
According to Slater, Green’s contract has emerged as a workable piece in potential deals due to its size and flexibility, particularly when compared to other large salaries on the roster. In one scenario tied to discussions involving the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Green’s deal could help facilitate salary matching.
“To make the salaries match, the Warriors have to put either injured wing Jimmy Butler III or Green in the deal,” Slater reported. “Green has a smaller and easier-to-redirect contract, and he is currently healthy and able to contribute to a contender.”
Green has publicly downplayed any anxiety surrounding the situation.
“I’ve been here for 14 years,” Green said recently. “If I’m traded, that’s part of the business. I ain’t losing no sleep.”
While the Warriors’ front office continues to prioritize competitiveness, the possibility of Green being moved represents a significant shift for a franchise built around continuity and long-term chemistry.
LeBron Regret Adds Another Layer
The renewed attention on Green has also intersected with a recent New York Post story that revisited his evolving relationship with James. Once defined by rivalry, their connection has grown more personal over the years. Green signed with James’ agent, Rich Paul, in 2019, their families have become close, and James attended Green’s wedding in 2022.
Green acknowledged one lingering regret.
“I’ve always wanted to play with him,” Green said. “Not saying I wanted to go to his team. I’m very comfortable with 30 and what we’ve built. But Steph and LeBron got the opportunity to take the court together in the Olympics. I’ve always wanted the opportunity, just to experience it and see how he thinks.”
Green also suggested that an on-court incident involving Jusuf Nurkic cost him a chance to compete alongside James at the Paris Olympics in 2024, potentially missing what could have been his third gold medal appearance.
Despite that curiosity, Green has made it clear that he does not see a realistic path to sharing a uniform with James.
“I don’t see a path to it,” Green said weeks before his name surfaced in current trade talks.
With James approaching unrestricted free agency this summer and Green’s name now circulating in deadline conversations, Smith’s commentary underscored the practical challenges such a pairing would present. For now, the debate highlights how closely intertwined both players’ futures have become during one of the most pivotal stretches of the NBA calendar.