The Los Angeles Lakers officially entered a new era this offseason after LeBron James departed in free agency, ending an eight-year run that included an NBA championship, multiple playoff appearances and one of the most influential stretches in franchise history.

While the organization has quickly pivoted toward building around Luka Dončić, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green believes replacing James' production is only part of the challenge.

During a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show, Green explained that the Lakers may be underestimating everything James brought to the organization beyond the stat sheet.

"I still think people don't understand the weight that this guy carries after 23 years. I still think people don't understand the force, the weight that this guy carries from an overall standpoint."

Green's comments came while discussing L.A.'s offseason with Ice Cube, who thanked James for helping deliver a championship to the city before expressing optimism about the Lakers' future. Green agreed the Lakers have assembled a talented roster but believes James leaves behind a void that cannot be replaced overnight.

James averaged elite production throughout his Lakers tenure, but Green argued that his impact extended well beyond points, rebounds and assists.

"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."

That presence affected everything from opposing game plans to national television schedules and ticket demand. Every Lakers game became one of the league's biggest attractions, whether at Crypto.com Arena or on the road.

Opponents sold out arenas whenever James visited, and the franchise remained at the center of the NBA conversation throughout his tenure.

Now, that responsibility shifts to Dončić.

Dončić has consistently proven he can carry an offense, but he will now experience the unique pressure that comes with leading the NBA's most recognizable franchise without James sharing the spotlight.

Green believes that pressure will extend beyond Dončić.

"Now that he'll be gone, I think the pressure on Luka rises. Luka is cut out for it, but I think the pressure on Austin Reaves rises even more."

Austin Reaves has developed into one of the Lakers' most reliable offensive players over the past several seasons and is expected to take on an even larger role as the team's secondary scorer and playmaker. With James no longer serving as the veteran leader, Reaves will likely be asked to shoulder additional responsibilities both on and off the court.

To their credit, the Lakers have aggressively reshaped the roster since free agency began. General manager Rob Pelinka added center Walker Kessler via trade, guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton, and big man Sandro Mamukelashvili, giving head coach JJ Redick a deeper supporting cast that fit Dončić.

The Lakers also added former Dončič teammate Jaden Hardy in a trade with the Washington Wizards for Deandre Ayton, also adding two second-round picks in the trade to make moves in the future.

Those additions have made L.A. younger, more athletic and arguably better suited to complement Dončić's style of play. However, Green's point wasn't about basketball fit alone. His warning centered on everything James represented to the franchise.

Few players in NBA history have influenced winning, business and global attention the way James has. His leadership, experience and ability to command defensive attention became foundational pieces of the Lakers' identity for nearly a decade.

The Lakers may ultimately thrive in the post-LeBron era, especially with Dončić leading the way. But Green's comments serve as a reminder that replacing one of the greatest players in league history involves much more than finding another scorer. It means replacing a presence that shaped every aspect of the organization, something that could take years rather than one offseason.