The Golden State Warriors have looked like a completely different team since acquiring Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline. Their recent 123–116 win over the Los Angeles Lakers marked their fourth straight victory, positioning them strongly for an NBA playoff run. As the postseason approaches, Draymond Green weighed in on what a potential first-round matchup against LeBron James‘ Lakers would mean.
A Warriors-Lakers clash could very well happen in the opening round, with Golden State currently sitting fifth in the Western Conference and Los Angeles right above them at fourth. Ahead of their latest meeting, Green spoke with ESPN’s Malika Andrews about the potential series and also touched on other top West contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets.
“Well, I think any time we face LeBron, that’s always cinematic,” Green admitted. “It’s always an incredible challenge. So that’s always fun. But honestly, all three of those teams are going to be tough. And if you’re going to make it out this Western Conference, we can look at the standards”.
“You look at pretty much one through eight, it’s right there. Not one, but two through eight,” he continued. “It’s kind of right there. And so any path you go through is going to be tough, all the teams in the Western Conference are good, so it really doesn’t matter to me. I think if, when we’re healthy, I like our chances against anyone”.
Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a 3-pointer against LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Green says Warriors are built to win a title
Under Steve Kerr’s leadership, the Warriors have gone from afterthoughts to serious title threats, and Draymond Green believes Jimmy Butler is the key for them to win another NBA championship. According to Green, Butler’s adaptability has been critical in the team’s late-season transformation and is exactly what Golden State needed to reignite its championship hopes.
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“I think this team has the ability to match different lineups,” Green noted. “When you look at all championship teams, they have abilities that if a team goes big, they can match it. If a team goes small, they can match that. They need a three-point shooting lineup? They can do that. They need an all-defensive lineup? They can go to that lineup”.
“I just think the versatility of this roster with adding Jimmy Butler, and what it does against other matchups, it allows us to match up against anyone,” he continued. “That’s what you need to win a championship”.
Warriors lean on championship DNA
Green didn’t hold back when discussing the Warriors’ proven postseason pedigree. With Stephen Curry and himself already boasting multiple rings, and Butler bringing valuable Finals experience, Green believes the team has the mental and physical toughness to get the job done again.
“Steph definitely knows how to win a championship,” Green noted. “I know how to win a championship. And quite honestly, Jimmy. Jimmy’s gotten to the Finals twice with teams he probably shouldn’t have gotten there with. And to get that far and be on the verge of just one play needing to go your way, he has the know-how“.
Green also highlighted the importance of head coach Steve Kerr’s presence on the bench, pointing out his staggering nine NBA titles—five as a player and four as a coach—as another reason the team is built to go deep in the postseason.
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“So amongst us three, and don’t add in our maestro who is the guru when it comes to winning championships, he’s got nine of them. We have the know-how — and that’s a big part of it, too,” Green added.
