Draymond Green has been through do-or-die situations with the Golden State Warriors. He knows exactly how pressured the Los Angeles Lakers are as they fight for their lives in Game 4 of their second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
The Lakers have looked hapless against the Thunder in their first three encounters, losing by an average margin of 19.6 points.
Los Angeles is still without Luka Doncic, who is nursing a hamstring injury he suffered in April against, incidentally, the Thunder. His absence has created a massive hole for the Lakers, who are in dire need of another shot-maker against the defending champions.
Green, however, posited that even if Doncic were healthy, he would not have made much of a difference.
“I see a lot of people have been debating if the Lakers would have had a better shot if Luka was healthy. Quite honestly, Luka would have been great, but I don’t think it would’ve given them a better shot. I just don't think they have a good enough team to put out this OKC team,” said Green on his podcast.
“This OKC team is fast. They're scrappy, they defend well, they don't make many mistakes, they make you beat them, and obviously, everyone plays their role. So I got OKC closing in a sweep tonight.”
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Draymond Green says the Lakers would NOT have a better shot at beating OKC with a healthy Luka:
“I don’t know if it’s going to be possible to lose by anything less than 20. I see a lot of people has been debating if the Lakers would’ve had a better shot if Luka was healthy.… https://t.co/x9Tm7BRQPi pic.twitter.com/okc3wpu6Ys
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 11, 2026
The Thunder swept the Lakers in the regular season, 4-0. Doncic only played in two games, averaging 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists—way below his usual numbers. He only shot 33.3% from the field, including 14.3% from three-point range.
Like the Thunder, the Warriors were nearly invincible during their dynastic run, with Green, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Andre Iguodala playing like a well-oiled machine.
All superior teams have an extra level, which they can turn on at any time, and that is exactly what the Thunder have done.
Draymond Green has been through do-or-die situations with the Golden State Warriors. He knows exactly how pressured the Los Angeles Lakers are as they fight for their lives in Game 4 of their second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto. com Arena on Monday.