Danny Green joined the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2019-2020 season, bringing with him valuable championship experience after winning the NBA title the previous year with the Toronto Raptors. Before that, he had also celebrated a championship victory with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. During his single season with the Lakers, Green earned his third NBA championship as the team secured their 17th title in franchise history.
Green primarily started alongside Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the role of a wing player, creating a strong three-and-D dynamic, which complemented LeBron James‘s elite playmaking ability. Their combination proved effective enough that former Lakers teammates like Alex Caruso, Dwight Howard, and Caldwell-Pope themselves have wondered how many more championships that core might have won if it had remained intact over time.
Navigating the Challenges of Playing with a Superstar
Playing alongside LeBron James, as Danny Green did with both the Cavaliers and Lakers, comes with immense pressure alongside high visibility. This experience can elevate a player’s profile and reputation league-wide, boosting future prospects and earnings. However, Green expressed that this exposure can also create a burden if fans or critics question a player’s ability to contribute effectively.
On the All The Smoke podcast, hosted by former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, Green shared insights into backing up LeBron’s on-court intelligence and decision-making. He described how James’s understanding of his teammates’ strengths even extended to influencing coaching decisions.
“Even if coach like, ‘Yeah, I want Danny to cut here,’ and he like, ‘Yeah, but I like him over here better. This is where his spots is.’ He knows what they can do, where their best spots are. He wants you where you’re best at. And he going to find you there too, ’cause he knows they’re going to double. If they don’t, he’s going to kill.” —Danny Green
While having LeBron’s guidance made the game easier in many ways, Green acknowledged the heavy expectations came mostly from outside scrutiny rather than pressure from LeBron himself.
“He made the game very easy. But also, there are times where it’s not as easy because there’s so much pressure, even if you’re wide open to execute the play because you’re playing with LeBron James. And that’s more so on the outside than it is on the inside, cuz Bron ain’t putting the pressure on you. Yeah. But all the LeBron fans like, ‘Who’s this bum? Why is he playing with LeBron?’ You know what I’m saying? So, you know, it’s a gift and a curse.” —Danny Green
Proving One’s Value Amid High Expectations
Despite the external doubts and added pressure, Danny Green’s career statistics and longevity reflect his value as a dependable role player. Over 15 NBA seasons, including 852 regular season games, he carved out a niche as a reliable shooter and defender, averaging 8.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and a 40 percent three-point shooting percentage. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft at 46th overall, Green capitalized on opportunities and earned respect across the league.
Green’s tenure with LeBron-confirmed teams made it clear that his skill set and professionalism justified his place on championship contending rosters. Yet, the pressures that came from playing in the NBA’s largest market, with intense media and fan attention, underscored the complexities players face beyond just performance.
Green’s reflections serve as a reminder that even well-established role players must contend with doubts and scrutiny while contributing to title-winning teams. His experience exemplifies how playing with LeBron James involves a unique balance of opportunity, expectation, and pressure that few players encounter in their careers.