West Notes: Warriors, Draymond Green, Lakers, Spurs

Warriors 

Coach Steve Kerr said he thinks forward Draymond Green realizes what’s at stake as he makes his return from an NBA-mandated suspension.

“I think Draymond knows his career is on the line. It really is,” Kerr said Tuesday on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard and Dibs.” “Based on what’s happened over the last year, based on the recent suspension, based on everything that’s gone on — I think he recognizes that it is different this time. This wasn’t a suspension for getting too many technicals. This wasn’t a suspension for one Flagrant foul. This was different.

“This really put him on notice. He’s put himself on notice. That’s what makes this different. And that’s why his response has to be what it’s got to be.”

• Green said he’s been reflective since the suspension. “A part of the ‘indefinite’ in returning is being in a better space,” he told reporters. “To allow my mind to process what it looks like getting in a better space, I think you’re then able to sit with those thoughts … It allowed me to come to some realizations that I needed and wanted to come to.”

Lakers

The Lakers intend to remain patient with coach Darvin Ham, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.

“The results matter, of course, so it certainly helps that his embattled squad beat the intracity-rival Clippers and the Raptors after losing 13 of the previous 15 games,” Amick wrote. “But beyond that, two high-ranking team sources say there is a plan to remain patient with Ham as he continues to grow in his first head coaching job.”

• Lakers owner Jeanie Buss sent a text of support to Ham after rumors that he may be on the hot seat, Amick noted.
• Star forward LeBron James on the free throw disparity between the Lakers and Raptors in the fourth-quarter of the Lakers’ one-point win on Wednesday: “They fouled more than us.” The Lakers shot 23 free throws; the Raptors shot two. It resulted in Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic going on a post-game rant.

Spurs

Center Victor Wembanyama indicated he is taking his minutes restriction in stride. The No. 1 overall pick has been recovering from an ailing ankle.

“My hunger is bigger than ever to win and to compete, but now I have learned to get over that frustration of the minutes restriction,” Wembanyama said. “My body needs time to adapt to the load and to the long season. Once it’s ready, it is go time. But there is no need to be frustrated. I keep my long-term goals in mind.”

The Spurs visit the Pistons in a battle of the league’s two worst teams on Wednesday night.

• San Antonio has exploratory trade interest in Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Interestingly, it was the Spurs who traded Murray to Atlanta.