All eyes are going to be on Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James during the 2024 NBA offseason. With a player option for the 2024-25 season, he has a chance to hit free agency this summer and pick a new franchise to play with.
His decision could come down to whether or not his son, Bronny, enters the 2024 NBA Draft. Last week, Bronny declared for the draft but kept the flexibility to withdraw his name and return to college next season. He also entered the transfer portal, so he will be moving on from USC one way or another.
Bronny’s decision will have a major impact on LeBron. He has stated numerous times that one of his final goals as an NBA player is to take the court with his son. Should a team use a draft pick on Bronny, it will significantly raise the odds of him joining that franchise at some point.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: LeBron James, 2024 NBA Offseason, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
However, the Lakers aren’t going to let him go easily. They are going to do everything in their power to retain him, even with an opt-out likely coming. During a recent episode of his podcast, the Hoop Collective, ESPN NBA insider and analyst Brian Windhorst offered some details on how he believes the offseason could unfold.
“I think LeBron is going to opt out no matter what and the reason I think he’s going to opt out no matter is because 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 Brian Windhorst. “If he extends the contract he is in, or picks up that option and extends onto it, he cannot get a no-trade clause. I think for a number of different reasons, LeBron would like, ask for, and probably be granted a no-trade clause.
“There may be some debate with him and the Lakers about whether he should get three years, or whether a third year would be a team option, or a player option, or not guaranteed or whatever. I think there could be some interesting negotations back and forth on that.”
A no-trade clause is rare for players to receive in the NBA. But for a player such as LeBron, it makes sense for him to have one. It would be the only way for him to truly control how the final few seasons of his career play out should he sign a multi-year deal with the Lakers.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: LeBron James, 2024 NBA Offseason, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Bradley Beal was the last player to have one, as it was part of the mega contract he signed with the Washington Wizards. Barely a year after signing it, the Wizards were handcuffed when looking to trade him, as he could pick his next destination and they have to take back a pretty underwhelming package from the Phoenix Suns.
For James, a no-trade clause would give him the best of both worlds. He would remain with the Lakers, who are on the cusp of contention again in the Western Conference. The flexibility to essentially pick where he’d want to be traded once his son enters the NBA would then exist as well.
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