LeBron James Already Has a Request for Next Lakers Contract
The NBA regular season is set to end soon and the postseason to going to begin. The Los Angeles Lakers are fighting to lock down a playoff spot in a jam-packed Western Conference.
With those high-pressure games taking place, forward LeBron James has been thinking of his future in LA.
James has a player option after this season and will likely opt-out to become a free agent. He has expressed his desire to stay in LA but he already has a request for his next deal with the Lakers.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN believes James opts out but also wants a no-trade clause in his deal.
Windhorst said, "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".
Lakers News: LeBron James Wants No-Trade Clause in Next Deal
Windhorst added, "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."
James has been with the Lakers since 2018 and has continued his dominance in the Purple and Gold. Since arriving in LA, the 39-year-old has become the all-time scoring leader in NBA history, brought the Lakers their 17th title in franchise history, and has made LA the center of the basketball world.
He looks to continue that going forward but wants that no-trade clause added to his next deal and you can't blame him for that.
However, the Lakers have more important things to focus on right now. They are currently in the play-in mix in the Western Conference and are only +1600 to make the NBA Finals on FanDuel Sportsbook.
More Lakers coverage:
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.