Lakers named potential landing spot for Warriors’ $100 million four-time NBA champion originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Having multiple free-agent targets to choose from in the offseason can be both a positive and a negative for the Los Angeles Lakers this summer.
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Although it’s always nice to have plenty of options on the table, the Lakers may find it difficult to narrow their lengthy list to make the perfect signings ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The Third Apron’s Yossi Gozlan believes the Lakers’ list could grow even longer, citing that a four-time NBA champion Golden State Warriors forward could be an asset that intrigues Los Angeles this summer.
“This past trade deadline, however, was the first time they seriously entertained trading him (Draymond Green),” Gozlan wrote Tuesday. “He would’ve been required to be the outgoing salary matching for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it didn’t happen.”
“The potential for Green to be included in a future trade could allow him to receive more on his next contract than what’s available to him in the open market. However, Green is finally showing a significant decline.”
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“His box score statistics remain the same, but this is the first season since his sophomore season where the Warriors weren’t better with him on the court. There should still be some interest in Green’s pedigree and ability to set a defensive culture. The Lakers have cap space and are bereft of defensive personnel.”
Green is far from the standout frontcourt contributor he used to be in the Bay. The Michigan State product’s playmaking chops and interior/perimeter defense are gradually beginning to decline, causing many to suggest that the Warriors shouldn’t go out of their way to retain Green this summer if they don’t have to.
Still, Green, who’s averaging 8.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game with Golden State this season, is still a valuable and proven asset who could assist Luka Doncic in Los Angeles under the right circumstances.
If a free agency deal makes sense for both parties this summer, Green could join one of the most storied franchises in the NBA in his late mid-30s.
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