LeBron James’ highly touted move to the Los Angeles Lakers has not quite worked out as planned. Under his leadership. the Lakers did go on to win the NBA championship in 2020 but the team has struggled to match the franchise’s lofty expectations. Overall the Lakers have a 252-216 record since the four-time MVP joined the team and they have missed out on the playoffs in two of those seasons.
According to one NBA insider, LeBron James could take the decision to opt out of his current contract with the Lakers. Brian Windhorst, who has been covering James’ career closely since a young man, believes that passing on his option for 2024-25 could be beneficial to the superstar.
“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,” said Windhorst. “If he extends the contract he’s in or picks up that option, extends onto it, he can’t get a no-trade clause.”
“I think LeBron’s gonna opt out no matter what."
– Brian Windhorst
👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/6uuHsKYH9s
— ML Basketball (@_MLBasketball) April 8, 2024
The insider was speaking on The Hoop Collective and insisted that an opt out does not mean James will leave the Lakers.
With the news the his Bronny James has declared for the NBA draft, LeBron James will likely look for more flexibility in his upcoming deal. The 39-year-old who is now in his 21st year in the league, has made it clear that he hopes to one day play alongside his son.
