Warriors predicted to cut ties with $100 million four-time NBA champion via trade to Lakers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Although the Los Angeles Lakers have the offensive star power that many teams lack, they’re too lackluster on the defensive end to be considered title contenders in late December.
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In an attempt to bolster their defense and improve their odds of hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy in June, the Lakers could follow The Ringer’s Bill Simmons’ advice and acquire a four-time NBA champion Golden State Warriors forward.
“Put Draymond (Green) on that team (Lakers), reinvigorated with, I can’t believe they traded me. I’m going to triple down and be a maniac. And that’s kind of what the Lakers need,” Simmons said Tuesday. “Obviously, he has a long relationship with LeBron (James) and the clutch factor.”
Although Green is limited from a scoring standpoint, he’s a versatile point forward who’s made a living creating open perimeter looks for Stephen Curry and anchoring the organization’s defense at a high level.
Green also brings a fierceness and toughness that the Lakers are currently missing, which could motivate Los Angeles to make a move for the accomplished 35-year-old.
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Green is averaging 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game with the Warriors this season, shooting 40.4% from the field and 32.7% from three-point land.
In reality, the Lakers would be better served acquiring a two-way wing like Trey Murphy III than Green, but anything is possible in today’s NBA.
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