Lakers enter the Doncic era: Green warns, “LeBron’s absence will be felt”
Draymond Green issued a warning to the Los Angeles Lakers, emphasizing the basketball, financial, and media void left behind by LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers’ transition into a new era built around Luka Doncic marks a franchise-defining turning point, one whose impact extends far beyond the basketball court.
On the latest episode of The Draymond Green Show, the Golden State Warriors forward shared his thoughts on the Lakers’ transition, arguing that many are underestimating just how significant LeBron James’ departure will be from a financial, media, and organizational standpoint.
I don’t think people fully understand the weight LeBron James carries across the league, even after more than 20 years. You have to consider the financial impact he has on a franchise and the economic boost he brings to an entire city. Then there’s the basketball side of it – his presence on the floor always gives your team a chance to win and forces opposing defenses to constantly adjust
Draymond Green
From a basketball perspective, James’ final season in Los Angeles – played at age 41 – produced elite numbers: 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game while shooting 51.5% from the field.
The Lakers’ front office has tried to offset that production by aggressively reshaping the roster in free agency around Doncic’s strengths. According to Green, however, James also served as a media shield for the Slovenian superstar.
The Lakers are going to feel his absence next season. Even after Luka became the new face of the organization, LeBron still drew all the attention. If Doncic struggled, people still found a way to blame LeBron. Now that he’s gone, the pressure on Luka is going to increase – even though he’s built to handle it. But the pressure will grow even more for guys like Austin Reaves
Draymond Green
The organization has locked up Austin Reaves with a lucrative contract extension while also adding two-way wings and a rim-running center ideally suited to capitalize on Doncic’s elite playmaking.
Despite the front office’s strong roster-building efforts and the presence of a generational talent like Doncic, LeBron James’ departure removes the team’s biggest media buffer. For years, his global profile absorbed criticism during difficult stretches, allowing younger teammates to develop with less outside pressure.
The new-look Lakers enter the 2026-27 NBA season with a younger roster better constructed around their new superstar. The biggest question, however, is whether they can handle the spotlight without the greatest safety net modern basketball has ever known.