LeBron James Could Decline Player Option With Lakers, Seek No-Trade Clause

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

LeBron, 39, is expected to remain with the Lakers. 

“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 wants to play with Bronny in the NBA. No father has played with or against his son in the league. 

Bronny has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists for USC this season. 

LeBron is the oldest player in the NBA. He recently said he doesn’t have many years left in the league. 

“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.”

LeBron is averaging 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists this season while shooting 53.6% from the field, 41.3% from beyond the arc and 74.6% from the free-throw line.

A 20-time All-Star, LeBron has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers. He’s first in NBA history in points, second in field goals, fourth in assists, ninth in steals, fifth in triple-doubles, seventh in points per game, third in player efficiency rating and eighth in 3-point field goals. 

LeBron is the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in both points and assists. He’s also the only player to have at least 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 career assists. 

LeBron has won one ring with the Cavaliers, two with the Heat and one with the Lakers. He’s the only player in NBA history to win three Finals MVPs with three different franchises. 

LeBron is the sole player in NBA history to score 40,000 career points. He accomplished that feat this season.