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LeBron James could reportedly seek a no-trade clause in his next contract with the Los Angeles Lakers,
ESPN's Brian Windhorst said that he expects James to opt out of his contract for the 2024-25 season in large part because he wants the security of the clause.
"I think LeBron's gonna opt out no matter what. And the reason I think he's gonna opt out no matter what is even if he just signs back for one year, the only functional way for LeBron to get a no-trade clause is to sign a new contract," Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective (20:30 mark). "If he extends the contract he's in or picks up that option, extends onto it, he can't get a no-trade clause. And I think for a number of different reasons, LeBron would like, ask for and probably be granted a no-trade clause."
James has a $51.4 million player option for next season, which will take him through his 40th birthday. He is set to tie Vince Carter for the most seasons in an NBA career in 2024-25, a remarkable feat given James remains one of the league's best players.
The four-time MVP is averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game this season while shooting a career-high 41.3 percent from three-point range. Even if James wasn't defying Father Time, he's more than earned the right to choose how his career ends.
Bradley Beal is the only NBA player who currently has a no-trade clause. He waived the clause, which was originally given to him by the Washington Wizards, to facilitate a trade to the Phoenix Suns last summer.
James' desire for a no-trade clause likely stems from midseason trade rumors that led to agent Rich Paul having to issue a statement saying his client was not pushing for a trade. The rumors were hot enough that the Golden State Warriors checked in on potentially teaming up James and Stephen Curry.
Still, after facing actual trade rumors for the first time in more than two decades, it's fair for James to want guarantees about his future in writing.
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