Four-time NBA champion LeBron James is expected to opt out of the final year of his current contract, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.
An opt-out would make the Los Angeles Lakers forward an unrestricted free agent. However, the belief within most NBA circles is that James has no intention of leaving the Lakers.
In May, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said that if James decided to opt out, the move would likely center on the structure of his contract. If James wants to add a no-trade clause to his deal, that could be accomplished in a new contract.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
LeBron James of the Lakers during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 1, 2022 at the Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles. (Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA rules prevent no-trade clauses from being added to existing contracts through extensions. Only 10 players in league history have been able to include a no-trade clause in their respective contracts.
James is projected to eventually sign a three-year, $162 million contract. He would effectively give up about $2.3 million in total money if he opts out rather than extending his player option. But he might believe the financial sacrifice is worth it if he gives him a no-trade clause.
LEBRON JAMES AND SON BRONNY ARE NOT A PACKAGE, AGENT SAYS
Three years is the maximum number of years James can now sign for due to the NBA's over-38 rule. Lakers officials are reportedly willing to give James “whatever contract structure” he wants in a new deal.
Lakers forward LeBron James gestures during the Denver Nuggets game on March 2, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
If James really wants to explore his options this offseason, the Philadelphia 76ers are a team his name has been linked to. The Sixers would likely have enough cap space to add James to their roster.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dribbles past Thunder forward Jalen Williams on Dec. 23, 2023, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
A move to Philadelphia would pair James with star big Joel Embiid and last season's most improved player, Tyrese Maxey.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
On Thursday, ESPN reported that the Lakers and JJ Redick agreed to terms on a four-year contract to make him the team's next head coach. James recently launched the “Mind the Game” podcast, co-hosted by Redick.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage in Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
