Draymond Green Calling LeBron James the B-Word Had Skip Bayless Labeling Warriors Star His Hero

Long before Draymond Green and LeBron James became best friends, their relationship was that of bitter rivals.

Draymond Green Calling LeBron James the B-Word Had Skip Bayless Labeling Warriors Star His Hero

Draymond Green, Skip Bayless, and LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Draymond Green expressed regret for calling LeBron James the B-word during the 2016 NBA Finals.
  • Skip Bayless praised Green as a first-ballot Hall of Famer for his performance in that series.
  • Bayless's criticism of LeBron has intensified since James labeled himself the 'GOAT.'

Draymond Green is currently in LeBron James‘ inner circle and often spends the offseason with the Los Angeles Lakers superstar or defending him against critics during the season.

One of the 41-year-old staunchest critics over the past decade has been Skip Bayless. The 74-year-old is the first to say something negative about James, even though the said moment might have been an accomplishment.

His ‘hate’ towards the Lakers’ superstar is well-documented. That criticism went up a notch after James labeled himself the ‘GOAT,’ something Bayless always considered Michael Jordan to be.

Since then, his darts towards the league’s all-time leading scorer has increasing. Keeping that in mind, Draymond Green took a bold chance to listen to Bayless’ reasons on his show.

I must say, if you’ll allow me to, that when you did lose it for a moment in Game 4, and you did get suspended for Game 5, you became my all-time hero because you got mad at LeBron and called him a b**ch. I said, ‘That’s my guy, right there.’

Bayless said

The longtime analyst was referring to the incident that took place during the 2016 NBA Finals. Bayless believes LeBron James rightfully deserved to be called the B-word.

The analyst believes the now-Los Angeles Lakers superstar has behaved in such a manner on quite a few occasions, particularly when his non-stop criticism of not getting calls during those Finals started to irk Green and his Warriors.

Draymond Green explains his regret for calling LeBron James the B-word

Draymond Green did call James the B-word, and it was touted as being one of the reasons the latter went off on a heater to snatch the championship from under the Warriors’ noses. However, now, he regrets saying it.

Draymond Green and LeBron James clashed in the 2016 Finals
Green and James clashed in the 2016 Finals (Image via ESPN)

That’s my brother, and it is actually one of the moments I regret. When I use that word with people,… like I’m ready to fight… When I look back on that moment, it’s one I’m not proud of, especially with where our relationship is today… My respect for Bron is through the roof.

Green said

The four-time champion reiterated that when he pulls the B-word on any opponent, it is usually when he has lost all respect for that individual. Moreover, he only goes to that extent when he is ready to fight his opponent.

Green recalled how he has used the word on numerous occasions, and has gone on to do things which he now regrets. But most importantly, he regrets saying it to James, especially now that they are like ‘brothers.’

Skip Bayless believes Draymond Green is a first-ballot Hall of Famer

While talking about that phenomenal 2016 NBA Finals, Skip Bayless pivoted to talk about how good Draymond Green was in that series and how it has shaped him to be known as one of the league’s greats.

He has averaged for his career 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. And he is a first-ballot Hall of Famer… I’m not blowing smoke at you, I’m just telling you the god-honest truth… And you are first-ballot because there is so much more you do beyond that.

Bayless said

The former Undisputed on FS1 host explained how he felt that Green had his best run of games during the 2016 Finals. It was unfortunate that he was suspended for Game 5, but otherwise, that postseason’s performance alone made him a first-ballot Hall of Famer in Bayless’ books.

The latter reiterated that he was not trying to say things to get onto Green’s good side. Rather, it was an honest opinion after watching the Michigan native be one of the better players in the league.

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