Draymond Green Defends Controversial Actions Against Sabonis, James: 'Gotta Get Him Back' Alternatively: Draymond Green Addresses Sabonis Incident, LeBron Clash: 'I Had to Protect Myself'

Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors forward, opened up about two of the most controversial instances of his basketball career in a live stream with popular streamer Kai Cenat. Green discussed the incidents involving Domantas Sabonis and LeBron James, maintaining that his decisions in both instances were correct because of the circumstances he was put into by his opponents.

The most recent incident took place during a playoff game against the Sacramento Kings when Green stepped on Domantas Sabonis' chest. The moment caused backlash, and Green was suspended for a game. During the live stream, Kai Cenat questioned Green about the incident. Green explained his reasoning, pointing out that Sabonis had grabbed his ankle while on the ground.

“Why is he holding on to my ankle? That’s crazy. They don’t want you to see that part. See, what they want you to they don’t want you to see that,” Green explained.

According to Green, his reaction stemmed from Sabonis holding his ankle. He stated that the replay didn’t show the part where Sabonis grabbed his leg, which is a crucial detail. Green also said that when someone holds your leg while you are trying to get up, you have to find a way to get free. He simply said, “You gotta get him back.”

The 2016 LeBron James Incident

This incident brought back memories of a previous altercation involving Green and 4-time NBA Champion, which also resulted in a suspension.

In the 2016 NBA Finals, Green was suspended for Game 5 because of an incident with LeBron James.

James stepped over Green when he was on the ground, in the middle of his team shooting for a point inside the D. Green's hand went up into the groin area of James, for which he received a suspension.

Green’s actions were heavily criticised back then, as well. When asked about it, Green explained how he believes that his reaction was justified.

Someone would do if they were on the ground and another player put their leg over their shoulder. He stood by his ground and said, "If you fall down, and you’re getting up, and I put my leg on top of your shoulder, what are you gonna do? I wouldn’t want my son thinking that if someone did that to him, it’s okay."

After these incidents, the NBA community was extremely divided on the Sabonis controversy. NBA legend Shaq backed the Golden State Warriors' player, "I'm not gonna sit up here and be a hypocrite. I would have done the same thing."

As years have passed, Green hasn’t stopped his rough ways on the court. As of May 2025, Green has over 200 technical fouls and has been suspended six times.