Lakers News: Brian Windhorst Gives More Details Into What LeBron James Will Do This Summer

Matt Levine | Apr 8, 2024

As the Los Angeles Lakers conclude their regular season, their minds are now shifting over to the postseason. They believe they can make another deep playoff run, similar to what they did last season when they reached the Western Conference Finals.

Led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, this Lakers team has been playing much better lately. They have helped themselves stay in the playoff race, even locking up a play-in-game berth at a minimum. But as the year winds down, the reality of the summer begins to creep into the minds of the organization.

James is eligible to opt out of his current contract with the Lakers, giving him the chance to sign wherever he pleases. However, there is much thought that he will remain with the team, but will sign a new, more lucrative deal.

NBA insider Brian Windhorst provided some thoughts on the situation within his podcast, Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective. He believes James will opt out of the deal, but will look to re-sign with a no-trade clause for his final few years in the NBA.

“I think LeBron’s gonna opt out no matter what,” Brian 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, 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.”

James is in year 21 within the NBA, so his time in the league isn't going to be much longer. Despite him still playing at a high level, he knows that he only has two to three years left. He likely wants to ensure that he can stay with the Lakers throughout and that they don't trade him.

It would be unlikely for the Lakers to trade a player of James' caliber, especially if he didn't ask out of the organization. This would be a preventative step taken by James that would ensure he would remain with the Purple and Gold until he decides it is time to step away.