Draymond Green makes powerful LeBron James statement after Warriors' playoff letdown

Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (left) talks with Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (right) after the game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Golden State Warriors standout forward Draymond Green has always been fond of 21-time All-Star LeBron James. 

The two established stars have battled numerous times over the years, accumulating eight combined championships in the big leagues. 

On Monday, Green made a powerful statement about the 40-year-old Los Angeles Lakers forward on his popular podcast following the Warriors' second-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"Where the game has gone, you need those resources (trainer) in order to be successful,” Green said on the Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis. “I feel like basketball used to be a poor man's game.  We had nothing, and it was our way out.”

"Basketball is not a poor kid's game no more. Basketball is a rich kid's game. The days of seeing LeBron James from Akron, Ohio, from a single mom. Those days are numbered. Because if you don't have the resources these days, you can't make it.  Basketball didn't use to be that."

It’s no secret that James had to put in overtime to turn his NBA dream into a reality. 

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James’ upbringing was strenuous, but his dedication to perfecting his craft on his own accord and defying all odds helped him not only reach the big leagues but also achieve legendary status. 

James has won four NBA titles, earned four NBA Finals MVP awards, secured four MVP awards, and scored over 40,000 points during his ongoing 20+ year career. 

Sadly, as Green stated, cases like James’ aren’t as common nowadays. The kids who are the most fortunate are highlighted by all the primary recruiting services and media companies, helping them attain success at a higher rate.

Still, James’ inspirational NBA journey proves that, although times aren’t changing for the better, there’s still hope for less fortunate youngsters.

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