Is Skip Bayless too hard on LeBron James and other NBA stars?

The Golden State Warriors had a disappointing end to their 2023-24 campaign. Draymond Green had some mixed moments during the season but looks to return strong for the team in 2024-25. Moreover, Green made a bold claim on Undisputed host Skip Bayless amid his lengthy tenure of criticizing Lakers star LeBron James.

Green revealed his issue with Bayless on a segment from Shaquille O’Neal’s podcast.

“The biggest hater outside the NBA is Skip Bayless, for sure…I hope I give him a soundbite for his show because it’s dying…For instance, like, there’s nothing [LeBron James] has done to give you something to hate on every single day,” Green said, via The Big Podcast.

Green believes Skip Bayless’s criticism of LeBron James can go overboard. While it is not always warranted, the attention James receives is understandable due to his elite star power. Will Bayless pay attention to Green’s take and ease things down? Regardless, Draymond Green wants to return strong to the Warriors after a roller-coaster season.

Green is one of the most experienced and skilled defenders in the league. Despite being in his mid-30s, Green made the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team during the 2022-23 season. He and the Warriors had high hopes going into 2023-24 but their aspirations did not come to fruition.

The Warriors finished the season with a 46-36 record, which placed them 10th in the Western Conference standings. As a result, they had to earn a playoff spot through the Play-In Tournament. Unfortunately, they lost their first game to the Sacramento Kings, which ended their run early.

Draymond Green was not able to make as large of an impact, due to being in and out of the lineup from suspensions. Nevertheless, Golden State still values Green and needs him going forward.

Draymond Green, Warriors look to bounce back in 2024-25

The Warriors’ franchise cornerstone, Stephen Curry, knows the importance of Green’s presence on the team. Curry spoke on Green’s return to the lineup after suspension following Golden State’s March 30th win over the Charlotte Hornets.

“It was important, we need him,” Curry said of Green. “I said it last game. For us to try to finish the season strong and give ourselves the best shot not only in the standings, but with the way that we’re playing and the energy that’s building up towards hopefully being in the play-in. We just want an opportunity and he’s a huge part of that. Need him on the floor.”

Golden State needs the leadership, playmaking, and stout defensive presence of Green to combat other talented teams. In his 12th season, Green averaged 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 27.1 minutes per game. The veteran forward still has plenty left to give to a Dubs team looking to add another title to their resume.

The Warriors might not have achieved their goals in 2023-24, but nothing is stopping them from reloading and being successful in the future. Adding a couple of new supportive pieces and allowing the squad to maintain continuity should help the team do well in 2024-25.