Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was seen with Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green vacationing in France over the weekend. The NBA champions are close friends and have been known to enjoy each other’s company off the court. The two have mutual respect for each other and often support each other during their respective seasons.
Lakers King James spotted with Warriors Draymond Green
Draymond Green was spotted in France with Lakers star LeBron James on Sunday 👀
Green reportedly opted out of the final year of his contract with the Warriors.
(📸: josh_sass98/IG) pic.twitter.com/NIW9xMMdHI
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 20, 2023
Could the Lakers Sign Green?
Warriors’ Draymond Green officially declined his player option for 2023-24 season. Green’s decision to opt out of his contract will give him more freedom to choose his next destination or reach an agreement with Golden State. He has been linked with a move to the Los Angeles Lakers, which could make them a real contender for the NBA title.
Rich Paul, Draymond Green's agent, tells @ShamsCharania that Green will decline his player option for 2023-24 season #Warriors
— Travis Jacque' Rose (@JacqueRoseTV) June 19, 2023
This move would give the Lakers the defensive anchor they need to complete their roster. It would also be a major setback for the Warriors, who are already dealing with Klay Thompson‘s downgrading performance. However, the Lakers do not have much cap room to try and sign Green unless they deplete their roster.
According to ESPN NBA Insider Brian Windhorst First off, let me just say that Draymond’s opting out is 100 percent expected – it is not a surprise. We’ve known about it for weeks if not months.”
The Warriors and Draymond Green are already in talks about an agreement for him to remain in Golden State. Green’s value to the team has been clear for the past few years. It would be a huge blow for the Warriors if he were to go elsewhere. Any NBA team would embrace a defensive anchor like Green.
Best Move for the Lakers
The logical move for the Lakers would be to pass on Green. He is too expensive for the team’s current salary cap. The Lakers should look for cheaper options that can provide the same level of production. This would allow them to sign additional players to improve their roster.
"Draymond [Green] is easily worth another $100M… The synergy he has with Klay Thompson & Steph Curry… You can't buy it… In the case of Joe Lacob, you want that kind of attitude in the locker room."
—Stephen A. Smith
(via @FirstTake)pic.twitter.com/SevWojR8cI
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 20, 2023
Windhorst continued. “That is not something that Rob Pelinka, the general manager, has indicated he wants to do.”
The Lakers have $123 million slated for seven players. The team is limited in how much more money they can spend this season. Therefore, it is unlikely that the Lakers will make any major moves before the start of the season. This is unless they leverage their draft picks to sign another star player.
Green’s Future
The Warriors on the other hand have stolen Chris Paul right under the Lakers’ noses. They now have the potential to be the top team in the West. As a result, the Lakers will be under pressure to make some moves to keep up with the competition.
However, the Sacramento Kings have shown interest in Draymond Green. The Warriors may be willing to trade Green to get the pieces they need to stay competitive. The Lakers could potentially use this opportunity to their advantage by making a trade with the Warriors for Green. This could give them the edge they need to remain one of the top teams in the West.
Ultimately Green could take a pay cut to join the Lakers but it is not likely he will do so. All signs point to Green finishing his career in the Bay.
