UNBELIEVABLE: It has been reported that LeBron James will decline a player option with the Lakers and prefers a no-trade clause.
LeBron James’ could see his current Lakers contract expire this summer if he opts out of the final year of the deal, leaving $51 million on the table. Brian Windhorst believes James will decline his player option and re-sign with the Lakers but with the addition of a no-trade clause.
“I think LeBron’s gonna opt out no matter what,” Windhorst said. “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, and 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.”
As the oldest player in the NBA, LeBron will create history if, in his 22nd NBA season, he can provide 20 points for the Lakers. This season, he’s averaging 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. The Lakers have been among the NBA’s best teams since March. Regretfully, they remain at No. 9 in the rankings due to the fierce competition in the West.
LeBron’s future is intriguing, particularly in light of Bronny James’ recent NBA Draft declaration. The Lakers may have to contend with fierce rivalry to retain James if Bronny is selected in the Draft by a team other than the Lakers in the hopes that LeBron would be persuaded to sign with them.
As a Laker, LeBron James is anticipated to retire.
Many observers think it is unrealistic for LeBron James to finish his career outside of the Lakers, given the extraordinary degree of comfort he has attained in the Lakers uniform throughout his six-year tenure with the team.
The details of a potential contract extension for James were recently revealed by reliable Lakers insider Jovan Buha. The deal would give the 2020 Final MVP a three-year deal with a player option in the third year, allowing James to leave the team at any time.
“I do believe they’ll sign him to a maximum contract of three years. There are three possible outcomes: One: An additional three years. + player option for two years. Two: Agree to a three-year agreement without a player option and opt out. Three: Choose to leave and join a different squad. I do anticipate that he and LA will reach a consensus. I do believe LeBron will probably play his final game for the Lakerz.
The only thing that could hurt these plans is Bronny James and if the Lakers fail to acquire him. If the franchise wants LeBron to stay, the easiest way to make that happen is by getting Bronny and allowing LeBron to live out his dream of playing alongside his son. 
The Lakers have a lot of decisions to make this summer, including maybe persuading D’Angelo Russell to stay. The organization will need to maximize continuity and offer James what might be the last contract of his NBA career if they manage to make a deep run in the playoffs with this lineup.
GET RELATED CONTENTS ON: BLACKSPORTNEWS.CO.UK