Brian Windhorst, a longtime NBA insider, recently revealed that LeBron James would opt out of his contract with the Lakers and explains why he thinks so.
Lakers fans are struggling to comprehend the potential reasons why Lebron may opt out of his contract. However, Brian has given the most rational explanation for why the four-time NBA Championship winner may consider leaving.
"LeBron is still gonna sign out no matter how what happens," he said in a conversation with The Hoop Collective.
"The reason I think LeBron is going to opt out of the contract even if he signs back for a year is that that is the only possible way for him to get the NBA no-trade clause and a think LeBron would rather opt for the no-trade clause for several reasons," he added.
The NBA has a no-trade clause that prevents certain players from being traded or exchanged without their consent, either with specific teams or no teams at all.
This clause is rare; only ten players have had it in their contracts throughout the history of the NBA.
The players who had the NBA no-trade clause in their contract were Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, John Stockton, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, David Robinson, Bradley Beal, and Lebron himself when he signed with the Cavaliers just before the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
However, if LeBron Lakers' contract gets a chance to be reviewed and he wants the NBA no-trade clause added to it, he must be certain that the purple and gold can draft his son Bronny James.
Bonny just declared for the NBA 2024 Draft last week, so he also entered the NCCA transfer portal to maintain academy eligibility.
LeBron James has played 68 games this season and is currently 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. He has also held All-Star honors for 20 straight years.
Considering how successful he is and the star he brings to the Lakers, LeBron will surely hit the bag once he signs a new term.