Draymond Green Showers LeBron James With Praise, Reflects on His Impact on NBA

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green and LeBron James have had some epic on-court clashes through the years.

Back before James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, he and the Cleveland Cavaliers met the Warriors in the NBA Finals for four straight seasons. While the Warriors won three of those series, James was able to prove night in and night out just how dominant of a force he can be.

That’s why it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Green is one of James’ biggest fans. What may come as a surprise, however, is that Green doesn’t think James’ on-court exploits are what defines him best.

Green recently appeared on an episode of CNBC’s “Power Lunch” to discuss a recent investment he had made. It was during that interview that he credited James for opening doors for athletes beyond the basketball court.

“It has a lot of people talking and obviously that’s a huge and large credit to LeBron James,” Green began. “You know, with what he’s done in his career that’s kind of shown everybody else the power that you have as a player. And that’s, you know, that’s why you saw the movement this year is because the athlete, the basketball players have taken control of their own future. We’ve taken control of our destiny. And I think a lot of people hate that but I think that’s one of — you know, everybody celebrates LeBron for his basketball career and the things he’s been able to accomplish. I think the doors that he’s opened for athletes and especially basketball players is his biggest accomplishment.”

Considering the rivalry that James and Green have both been a part of, it might be somewhat surprising to hear Green speak so glowingly of the four-time MVP. That being said, there is no doubt that James has been a major proponent of player empowerment throughout his career. That empowerment has undoubtedly helped players like Green maximize their full potential.

With the offseason winding down, it will soon be the time to see these two star athletes duke it out on the court.

The Lakers will first take on Green and the defending Western Conference champs in a home tilt on Nov. 13.