Lakers could end these 4 Warriors careers with a win in Game 5

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 13: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 13, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 13: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 13, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
2 of 4
Draymond Green Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Draymond Green Lakers

2. Draymond Green

Warriors owner Joe Lacob has not been shy in spending money on his basketball team. The Warriors have been well over the luxury tax in recent years and have had no problem footing the bill to build out a competitive roster.

The penalties for going over the luxury tax are now much more severe because of the league’s new CBA. In addition to the taxes that are owed, there is now a second tier above the luxury tax with increased penalties for offenders. These penalties impact the team’s ability to build out a roster, not just the franchise’s bottom line.

For that reason, we may see the end of an era in Golden State as Draymond Green has a player option for the 2023-24 season that he likely will opt out of. This is the last time that Green can get paid a decent deal and it would be foolish not to chase that.

Draymond Green could actually end up joining the Lakers

Los Angeles can actually free up the money to bring Green to LA and while it might not be the best basketball fit, it should be considered a possibility. After all, Green is a Klutch Sports client and seems to have a great relationship with LeBron James.

If the Lakers are willing to foot the bill for Green then there is no doubt he would want to stay in California and play next to LeBron. Fans may not love it, and it probably wouldn’t be great in the long term, but it is possible.