Report: LeBron James Doesn’t Want To Relocate To East Coast

According to NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James doesn’t want to relocate to the East Coast. 

LeBron can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his 2024-25 player option with the Lakers. 

“The Lakers might have some leverage over James. How many teams will have almost $50 million in cap room to max James out at $157.5 million over three seasons? The most obvious answer might be Philadelphia, but most NBA sources believe the 76ers are targeting Paul George,” Pincus wrote. “If George re-signs with the L.A. Clippers, the Sixers could give James an alternative.

“Those same sources believe James won’t want to relocate to the East Coast, even to potentially chase a title with Joel Embiid and Klutch client Tyrese Maxey.”

LeBron joined the Lakers in the summer of 2018. Los Angeles missed the playoffs in Year 1, won the championship in Year 2, lost in the first round of the playoffs in Year 3, missed the playoffs in Year 4 and lost in the conference finals in Year 5. 

According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN, LeBron could decline his 2024-25 player option with the Lakers and seek a no-trade clause in his next contract. LeBron, 39, is expected to remain with Los Angeles. 

“I think LeBron’s gonna opt out no matter what,” Windhorst said on his podcast. “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. 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.”

LeBron is averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists this season while shooting 53.8% from the field, 41.2% from beyond the arc and 74.7% from the free-throw line. The Lakers will be in the play-in tournament for the third time in four years. 

A four-time MVP, LeBron recently said he doesn’t have many years left in the NBA.

“Not very long,” LeBron said when he was asked how long he will play in the NBA. “Not very long. I’m on the other side, obviously, of the hill. I’m not gonna play another 21 years, that’s for damn sure. But not very long. I don’t know when that door will close as far as when I’ll retire. But I don’t have much time left.”