Draymond Green is already showing his obvious interest in joining Lakers
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games in the second round of the NBA Playoffs and may have ended the entire Warriors dynasty in the process.
There are new, harsher penalties for reaching a certain apron over the already-established luxury tax as part of the new CBA that is going to force Golden State to make some tough decisions. Plus, general manager Bob Myers is a free agent and may not be returning to the team, which really would signal the beginning of the end.
This has all put Draymond Green’s future into the spotlight. Green has a player option this summer and while he simply could return to the team, this is probably his last chance to get a decent-sized payday at 33 years old. While he may no longer be a max guy, he can get more from other teams this summer.
Green also seems to have a great relationship with LeBron James and Anthony Davis while also being represented by Klutch Sports Group. All signs are pointing to Green and the Lakers having mutual interest this summer and now that the Warriors are eliminated, Green isn’t even hiding it.
He recently went into detail about how impressed he was by Austin Reaves and sounded like someone who really wants to play alongside him in LA.
Draymond Green praises Austin Reaves, sounds like he really wants to join the Lakers.
There are two ways that NBA fans can look at this. Not only is Green giving Reaves a massive stamp of approval that Lakers fans gave him a long time ago, but he might subtly be comparing Reaves to players on the Warriors right now.
There very well could be an underlying message to Jordan Poole. Poole really took a step back for the Warriors this season and had several moments in this playoff series where the lights looked too bright.
It wouldn’t be all that surprising if Green is sending some kind of message toward Poole after the two had an altercation before the season in practice. Poole really seemed full of himself after winning the title in 2022 and he could end up being the final factor that drives Draymond away.
Of course, there is no guarantee that Reaves even returns to the Lakers as he is a restricted free agent this offseason that can get a huge deal from another team. Even if Reaves leaves, though, there is plenty of reason to believe that Draymond could be leaving the Warriors for the team that ended the dynasty in this year’s playoffs.