Photo: Peter Baba

Draymond Green believes public perception played a major role in LeBron James choosing the Philadelphia 76ers over the Golden State Warriors.

Speaking on his podcast, Green suggested James struggled with the idea of joining a franchise that had been one of his fiercest rivals throughout his career.

“I ultimately don’t think Bron was ever able to get over the history and I understand it, I get it. What we all ultimately always knew is that’s the hurdle to get over.

“We live in a day and age where everybody who doesn’t have anything to say have something to say,” Green said.

Green argued that James would have faced relentless criticism had he teamed up with Stephen Curry in Golden State.

“And so, he’s gonna get crushed if he comes to the Warriors, ‘Ah man you went to team up with Steph, ah man you had to go to them.’ And ultimately I think that weighed in on the decision a lot, that played a big role in the Warriors not landing LeBron.”

According to James’ agent, Rich Paul, turning down the Warriors was an extremely difficult decision, with Golden State and Philadelphia emerging as the final two contenders for the four-time NBA champion.

Green believes the history between James and the Warriors, highlighted by four straight NBA Finals from 2015 through 2018, ultimately made the move too complicated despite the friendship between James and Curry and their successful partnership at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Instead, James signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the 76ers, believing Philadelphia gave him the strongest opportunity to compete for one more NBA championship before retirement.

LeBron James' close friend says public scrutiny kept him from joining Warriors https://t.co/tlya5NKTyj pic.twitter.com/DNdshEI4uF