The Los Angeles Lakers spent the summer ushering in the Luka Doncic era, but according to Horace Grant, that does not make LeBron James’ departure any less significant for the franchise.

The former Lakers player, who won the 2001 NBA championship with Los Angeles, warned that losing a player of James’ caliber will always create a major challenge, even when the organization has already identified its new franchise cornerstone.

“With a guy like LeBron, I don’t care if he’s 50 years old,” Grant told Action Network. “When he leaves a team, it can’t be good.”

Grant also praised James for maintaining an elite level of play despite his age.

“I have the highest praise for LeBron being 42 and still playing at a high level,” Grant said. “I’m a big fan of the young man.”

James’ departure represents one of the most significant transitions in recent Lakers history. The franchise is now built around Doncic, one of the NBA’s most gifted offensive players, but it also means losing one of the most dominant figures the sport has ever seen.

Horace Grant believes Luka Doncic changed the Lakers’ future

Grant believes James quickly understood the direction the franchise was heading after Los Angeles acquired Doncic.

“I think LeBron knew that when Luka was traded there, that the writing was on the wall,” Grant said. “They were going to start building around him.”

That shift became official this summer when James informed the Lakers that he would play elsewhere during his 24th NBA season, ending an eight-year run in Los Angeles that included the 2020 championship and a long list of individual milestones.

The separation also reflected the priorities of both sides. The Lakers were looking to get younger, become more athletic and improve defensively around Doncić and Austin Reaves, while James pursued a new challenge at this stage of his career.

“Whenever LeBron leaves, it’s not a good thing,” Grant said, “but I think it was time for him to get re-energized.”

History shows replacing LeBron is not easy

Grant’s warning is supported by history. In James’ previous departures from Cleveland in 2010, Miami in 2014 and Cleveland again in 2018, each team failed to reach the playoffs the following season.

However, these Lakers have a different foundation. The franchise has Dončić as its new centerpiece, along with Austin Reaves and a roster specifically constructed to complement its young superstar.

Still, replacing LeBron’s impact will be a difficult task.

Last season, James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists while continuing to show the ability to take over important playoff games at 41 years old.

His departure represents more than the loss of production. The Lakers are also losing his leadership, experience, playmaking ability and presence within the locker room.

Los Angeles has made it clear that the future belongs to Luka Doncic. Now the franchise must prove it can move into this new era without taking a step back from the success achieved during LeBron’s tenure.

The Luka era has officially begun. The first challenge will be proving the Lakers can move forward while replacing the impact of one of the greatest players in basketball history.