Richard Jefferson lashes out at Draymond Green, argues: ‘Dray, it’s a mistake’

For Christmas this year, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green gave ESPN NBA analyst Richard Jefferson the gift of laughter.

Early in the fourth quarter of the Christmas Eve game between the Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers, Green was fouled. The foul in question came with Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga shooting a free throw and Green battling for potential rebound position with Los Angeles teammates Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht — who were lined up to Green’s left and right, respectively. When Kuminga’s free throw went in, Green, Hachumura and Knecht all fell to the ground, where Green was quickly called for a foul. As Green is wont to do, he protested quickly and loudly. So did he have a point?

Not so much.

Jefferson began to explain what happened, as analysts do.

“OK, first of all, they’re not allowed to lock arms — and they didn’t lock arms,” ​​Jefferson said of Hachimura and Knecht.

Then he saw what happened. Green raised both of his arms and was tied up with the two Lakers in the process. He then dragged both Los Angeles players, as well as himself, to the ground.

That made Jefferson laugh.

“And then Draymond pulls them both down,” Jefferson said, laughing. “Dray, it’s a mistake.”

“They’re now allowed to lock arms — and they didn’t lock arms. And then (laughs) Draymond pulls them both down. Dray, that’s a mistake.”

Draymond Green’s argument hit Richard Jefferson’s funny bone. pic.twitter.com/sTporsnDEj

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) 26 December 2024

After laughing for a few more seconds, Jefferson explained the rule further.

“The two offensive players can’t lock arms … but you can’t grab both of their arms and go for a full suplex.”

“I don’t know,” answered play-by-play man Mike Breen. “It seemed to me to be as much on the Lakers as Draymond Green. I’m kind of on the sidelines with him that way. Nobody?”

While Green’s rants greatly amused Jefferson, he was unwilling to entertain Breen’s thoughts.

“No,” replied an apparently amused Jefferson.

“Completely disagree with you, Mike,” added Doris Burke.

(Photo credit: ESPN)