Lakers' LeBron James reveals why he would want to play with Draymond Green, Warriors in NBA playoffs

Ananth Pandian

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Lakers' LeBron James reveals why he would want to play with Draymond Green, Warriors in NBA playoffs image

A basketball connoisseur, LeBron James can appreciate the talents of his opponents and admire their successes. He's a true basketball lifer and it's why when asked direct questions about opponents, James will always give a straightforward answer.

That's essentially what happened on an upcoming episode of James' HBO show The Shop. And it's why James spoke so highly and effusively about a player and team many would expect him to loathe — Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors.

In a trailer for the episode, James is asked by his childhood friend Maverick Carter, what team in the playoffs would he want to play for. Since he knows James so well, Carter was just genuinely curious and the Los Angeles Lakers superstar answered him quite honestly.

“It’d be Golden State,” James said. “I would love to get into a pissing match with Draymond [Green]. I love when somebody cuss me out.”

This is of course just one short moment from the show. But it's also important to note that this isn't the first time James has praised Green and the Warriors. 

MORE: LeBron James reveals why he would want to play with Stephen Curry over any active player

Before the start of this year's playoffs, James took to Instagram to wish Green and the Warriors luck in their championship quest. Green appreciated the message so much that he reposted James' story to his own Instagram stories.

"My brother, my G!" James wrote on Instagram. "Love you kid! Good luck in the postseason! Almost that time again!" 

James continued show of support for Green isn't too surprising. They both appreciate one another's basketball talents, are repped by the same agency (Klutch) and are friends off the court. The two even went on a vacation together during the All-Star break this season and the experience left quite an impression on Green as he talked about on his podcast.

"It's insane that LeBron continues to produce at the level he is producing in his 19th season in the NBA," Green said.

"It's funny because we were just in Cabo weeks ago for All-Star break. I walked into Bron's crib and he's using this electrical current type of machine on his quad. And I said to him right then 'Dude you just don't stop' and he's like 'Man, gotta do it. Gotta get the quad fine you know I had this issue.' So I was just like 'Dude, you just never stop. Like there's always something with you in regards to your body and the game. It's mind-blowing to me'"

With so much love for one another, James and Green are truly friends till the end. 

Ananth Pandian

Ananth Pandian Photo

Ananth Pandian is a seasoned marketer and copywriter with over a decade of experience working for premium brands and publishers like Nike, SLAM, and CBS Sports. Prior to plying his trade as a wordsmith, he grew up in a farmhouse, surrounded by the woods, fields, and a creek. Ananth has spent much of his life outdoors, and is excited to guide you through his never-ending list of the best products to keep you from falling to the perils of nature. Nowadays, there is rarely a weekend that goes by where Ananth isn't out camping, hiking, or just back on his parents' farm.