[Saba Sports News] Draymond Green and LeBron James, despite their current friendship, once harbored significant animosity towards each other during the intense Warriors vs. Cavaliers rivalry from 2015 to 2018. At that time, Green was deeply suspicious of NBA reporter Chris Haynes when he first joined the Warriors, as Haynes revealed on a podcast.
Green expressed distrust, believing that Haynes was a spy sent by the Cavaliers, and even vowed to prevent anyone from talking to him. This level of suspicion between teams is remarkable and reflects the fierce competitiveness of that era’s rivalry.
Over time, rivals in the NBA have often evolved into close friends, a trend seen with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, who went from initial animosity to becoming best friends while still competing. Similarly, Draymond and LeBron have developed a strong bond, as Green shared in a podcast interview. He emphasized the separation between on-court competition and personal relationships, calling LeBron his “big brother.”
Green and James have faced each other 19 times in the regular season, with Green holding a 10-9 record. In playoff series wins, the Warriors are 3-2 against LeBron’s teams. As the Lakers appear formidable heading into the next season, the playoff rivalry could see LeBron and Green’s records even out in 2024.
Responding to critics who question their friendship, Green advised people not to invest too much concern in their relationship, as it ultimately does not impact anyone’s life significantly. He pointed out that their interactions on and off the court are personal choices and do not affect others. Despite the rivalry and initial skepticism, Green and LeBron have been seen spending time together during the offseason.