Lakers Were Quietly on a 4-Time Champion’s Radar During Giannis Trade Talks

The Los Angeles Lakers emerged as a potential landing spot for four-time champion Draymond Green during the trade deadline, as speculation around a possible blockbuster deal involving Giannis Antetokounmpo created uncertainty across the league.

Speaking with ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Green acknowledged that he understood the business reality of being included in potential trade scenarios tied to a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber.

The Golden State Warriors, armed with four first-round picks, were among the serious trade suitors for Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline.

“I understand this business probably as good as any player,” Green said. “I understand like, yo, this is Giannis Antetokounmpo. They not just about to trade me for a bag of peanuts. It would’ve almost been a point of pride.”

While Green made it clear he did not want to land with the Milwaukee Bucks, a report from Slater revealed that a reroute to Los Angeles was firmly on his radar if a deal materialized.

Rerouting Green to the Lakers would have landed an additional draft capital for the Bucks, though it is unclear if the team was willing to give up its lone first-round pick available for the Warriors veteran forward.

Potential Lakers Fit Would Have Drawn Star Power

GettyDraymond Green of the Golden State Warriors hugs LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers after their game at Chase Center.

A move to the Lakers would have created a high-profile pairing between Green and LeBron James, longtime rivals who have developed a close off-court relationship as Klutch Sports clients.

Green also would have joined a roster featuring Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, forming a veteran-heavy core built around playmaking, versatility and experience.

The addition of Green’s defensive leadership and championship pedigree could have addressed key areas for Los Angeles, particularly in terms of frontcourt versatility and communication.

A nine-time All-Defensive Team member, the 36-year-old Green would have brought with him a winning mentality.

Green owns the highest single-season plus/minus in NBA history (plus-1,070 in 2015–16), while his career mark of plus-4,487 ranks 15th all-time — with every player ahead of him either in the Hall of Fame or on that trajectory, according to Slater.

Giannis Trade Talks Created Real Uncertainty

Green later detailed how the Giannis-related discussions impacted him personally during an episode of The Draymond Green Show, describing the emotional uncertainty that came with the possibility of a move.

“When you’re not winning, everything becomes possible,” Green said.

He recounted conversations with Steve Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. that introduced the idea of potential trade frameworks.

“If we were to do a deal for Giannis, you or Jimmy would have to be in the trade just to make it work,” Green said at the time. “He didn’t rule it out.”

Green said the experience forced him to consider not only basketball implications but also the impact on his family and long-term situation.

Warriors Core Ultimately Stayed Intact

In the end, no deal involving Antetokounmpo came to fruition, allowing the Golden State Warriors to retain their core group.

A trade would have ended Green’s long-standing partnership with Stephen Curry, one of the defining duos of the modern NBA.

Instead, Green remains a central figure in Golden State’s rotation as the team pushes toward the postseason.

He recorded seven points, five rebounds, three assists, one block and two steals in Wednesday’s 109–106 win over the Brooklyn Nets, continuing a stretch of steady all-around production.

What Could Have Been for Lakers

For the Lakers, the revelation adds another “what-if” scenario to a season defined by roster evolution and star-driven expectations.

Green’s potential arrival would have brought championship experience, defensive versatility and a vocal presence to a locker room already led by LeBron.

While the move never materialized, the fact that Los Angeles was on Green’s radar underscores the franchise’s continued pull among veteran stars — particularly those seeking to compete at the highest level.

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