Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James is widely expected to finish his storied career in a Lakers uniform, but the NBA’s all-time scoring leader is reportedly seeking some security with his last contract.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, “The King” is expected to ask for a no-trade clause in the new contract he’s likely to sign with the Lakers this offseason.
On Monday’s “Hoop Collective” podcast, Windhorst explained why James will opt out of his $51.4M player option for the 2024-25 season to secure guarantees in his new deal.
“If he extends the contract he is in, or picks up that option and extends onto it, he cannot get a no-trade clause,” Windhorst explained. “I think for a number of different reasons, LeBron would like, ask for, and probably be granted a no-trade clause.”
Windhorst believes the Rob Pelinka-led Lakers front office could be hesitant to give the aging star a player option, especially if he signs for three years. James turns 40 this December.
“There may be some debate with him and the Lakers about whether he should get three years, or whether a third year would be a team option, a player option, or not guaranteed or whatever.”
Although Windhorst didn’t elaborate on the reasons for James to seek a no-trade clause, one wonders if the report of the Warriors trying to trade for him has influenced his thought process.
If James were to get a no-trade clause, he’d join Suns guard Bradley Beal as one of only two active players in the league with the special contract stipulation. Only eight other players in NBA history have secured no-trade clauses in their contracts — David Robinson, John Stockton, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony.
James had previously received a no-trade clause when he signed a three-year, $99.8M deal with the Cavaliers in 2016.
