LeBron James faces pivotal choices regarding his future after this season, according to a noted NBA analyst. It’s likely that the Los Angeles Lakers icon will choose to opt out of his current contract to secure a no-trade clause, says Brian Windhorst. Windhorst believes this is essential for James, as even if he were to sign for just one more year, he’d need a new contract to obtain such a clause. This move aligns with James’s desire to have control over where he finishes his illustrious career, which is currently in its 21st NBA season.
While James holds a $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 NBA season, declining it doesn’t necessarily indicate a desire to leave the Lakers. On the contrary, he likely seeks the assurance of determining his career’s final chapter. This aligns with the stature of one of the NBA’s greatest players. Currently, Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns is the only player with a no-trade clause, a privilege he waived to facilitate his trade from the Washington Wizards last offseason.
Despite briefly contemplating retirement earlier this season and after losing in the 2023 Western Conference Finals, James seems inclined to continue playing. Reports suggest he might be aiming for a lucrative new contract with the Lakers, and the recent declaration of his son Bronny for the 2024 NBA Draft adds another layer to his decision-making process. Should Bronny make it to the league, it would fulfill his father’s aspiration of sharing the NBA stage with him.
Despite being the oldest active player in the NBA at 39, LeBron James remains among the league’s elite performers. He’s posting impressive stats, averaging 25.4 points, 7.2 assists, and 8.2 rebounds per game across 68 appearances. Contrary to early-season expectations of reduced playing time, he’s maintained a significant role, even amidst ankle issues, averaging over 35 minutes per game. The Lakers are also heading into the postseason with momentum, having won nine of their last 11 games and currently sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference with a 45-34 record, just 1.5 games out of sixth place.
