Lakers: A crucial clause in LeBron James’ deal that might keep him in Los Angeles
LeBron James’s playing days are running out. James has essentially run out of things to prove at the age of 39, as he is set to conclude his 21st NBA season. LeBron’s achievement of surpassing the 40,000-point milestone for his career against the Denver Nuggets last Saturday has been the center of attention for the past few weeks. But this honor and professional achievement have obscured the primary conversation point around the potential first ballot Hall of Famer: Will LeBron continue with the Los Angeles Lakers?
James’ future in Hollywood has been questioned by many in the NBA even going back to the previous offseason. Since winning the 2020 NBA Bubble championship during the epidemic, the Lakers have not been able to field a squad capable of winning a championship, and there has been much discussion about the legend’s desire to play alongside his son, LeBron “Bronny” James Jr.
James will have to make some important contract decisions in the offseason, regardless of what his son does after his freshman year at USC or where the Lakers place in the standings. LeBron will hold a $51.4 million player option ahead of what would be his 22nd season in the NBA. James is ready to make history this summer by becoming the first player in league history to earn more than $500 million in lifetime earnings, regardless of whether he chooses to exercise this option or become an unrestricted free agent. Even if his future is still unknown, he has a significant contractual clause that can force him to stay with the Lakers.
How to keep LeBron James if the Lakers
What kind of contract James can land this offseason depends on a lot of small variables. Priorities first: before the deadline of June 29th, he must decide on his player option. The Over-38 rule will determine the duration of a new contract if LeBron decides to opt out and become an unrestricted free agent because no team would be able to offer him a deal longer than three years. The Lakers are included in this.
James has a well-known history of inking 1+1 contracts, which provide him and his team the freedom to bargain for different conditions and salary caps each season. Because Los Angeles can provide James something no other team can, a genuine no-trade provision, it’s possible that this is the one important factor that will eventually keep him in Los Angeles.
According to ESPN, players in the NBA are only qualified for a no-trade clause if they have played four years for the team giving the contract and have been a member of the league for at least eight years. For the Lakers to give this to James, he would have to opt out of his present contract and become a free agency, as these conditions cannot be added to extensions.
For LeBron, why would this be significant?
In other words, it provides him with the flexibility he has been looking for in his last years of employment. If he is drafted, James might eventually find himself on the same team as Bronny since he has a true no-trade clause, which prevents Los Angeles from dealing him and allows him to start over.
James doesn’t care about money, and he probably won’t be motivated by it when it comes time to decide on a contract. James may, however, place a high importance on the chance to establish his own personal flexibility and control over his contract for the duration of his career. The Lakers are the only team in the league that can provide LeBron a genuine no-trade clause in addition to offering him a higher salary.
It is difficult to believe that the 20-time All-Star will be leaving the Lakers, unless he genuinely wants to leave and go somewhere else.