Draymond Green Warns Lakers About the True Impact of Losing LeBron James

Draymond Green explained the impact LeBron James has on teams following the latter's Lakers exit.

Draymond Green Warns Lakers About the True Impact of Losing LeBron James

Draymond Green and LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

The LeBron James era in the Los Angeles Lakers finally came to an end after eight years. Coming off a historic 23rd season in the NBA, James showed no signs of slowing down and defied Father Time like never before.

He led his team to the Western Conference Semifinals in the absence of their star player, Luka Doncic, who missed the entire playoffs due to a hamstring injury. With his contract coming to an end, James decided to part ways with the storied franchise.

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green believes the Lakers are underestimating James’ influence both on and off the court.

I still think people don’t understand the weight that this guy carry… the economics that he brings to a team, the economic impact that he may have on the city… Anytime LeBron James is on the floor, A, your team has a chance to win, but B, you have to account for him in a major way.

Draymond Green on The Draymond Green Show

After the Lakers’ 2025-26 campaign came to an end, all eyes were on LeBron James as his contract with the club was coming to an end. When asked about his future, James did not have a clear answer as he was undecided on what he wanted to do next.

However, James confirmed his exit after thanking the Lakers and announcing his departure from the club. The announcement of his exit saw multiple contenders contact James, who was coming off a strong finish to the 2025-26 season.

One of the teams interested in signing James is the Warriors. The reports of their interest in the four-time champion were further fueled when Green declined his player option. The move gives the Warriors more flexibility in pursuing James in the offseason.

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LeBron James’ influence on and off the court is unmatched

Ever since James was drafted into the league in 2003, the spotlight has always been on him. There have been very few players in NBA history that came into the league with the hype and expectations that James carried.

Crypto.com Arena will no longer be LeBron James' home
Crypto.com Arena will no longer be LeBron James’ home (Image via Bron Muse/X)

Not only did James live up to the expectations, but he also surpassed them. He has played in three franchises in his 23-year-long career – Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers.

As Draymond Green said, his impact and influence both on and off the court are second to none. The Cavs were a very small-market team before James’s arrival. The franchise was not an appealing one till James changed it forever. He turned them into championship contenders and changed the economy of the city.

He brought relevancy to the Heat and Lakers too. While they had always been successful and popular organizations, they were nowhere near competing for a title until James joined them. He won two titles in Miami and one with the Lakers in 2020. Despite his influence on the organization, Green believes that the Lakers underestimated his impact on the franchise and city.

Pressure on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will rise after LeBron James’ exit

The Lakers have officially entered the Luka Doncic era. Since joining the Lakers at the trade deadline last year, the Lakers have built their squad around their Slovenian superstar. While James adapted his game to Doncic’s strengths, he also realized that his time with the franchise is over as the Lakers look to rebuild their team to contend for a championship.

Draymond Green revealed that the pressure on Doncic and Austin Reaves will be higher than ever following the departure of James.

Now that James is gone, I think the pressure on Luka rises. Luka is built for it. But I think the pressure on Austin Reaves rises even more. Personally, I think the Lakers organization will feel LeBron’s absence more than they realize, from both an economic standpoint and just his overall presence. Bron is such a massive force.

Draymond Green on The Draymond Green Show

During the 2025-26 campaign, Doncic and Reaves developed a strong relationship on and off the court. When the season ended, Doncic made it clear to the Lakers that he does not want Reaves traded away.

The Lakers obliged and offered him a four-year, $185 million contract. The front office has been active in free agency as they have signed four players already. However, there is no doubt that they will feel the impact of James leaving both on and off the court.

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