LeBron James may seek a no-trade clause in his next contract

The Los Angeles Lakers are going to try very hard to sign LeBron James to a contract extension this summer. Even at 39 years old, he is still the most important player on the roster and the team is eager to keep him in Los Angeles for the rest of his career, however long that may be.

James will get a lot of money with any potential extension and he might also get a no-trade clause too. According to Brian Windhorst, the Lakers star may demand - and get - a no-trade clause this summer.

“I think LeBron James 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,” Windhorst said.

He 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. 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."

Most reports say that the Lakers and James will eventually see eye-to-eye on any new deal and it is assumed that he will stay in Los Angeles for at least one or two more years until he retires. The no-trade clause would give James more power over his career and his path forward.

No-trade clauses aren't very common because it takes away a team's ability to send a player away in any potential deal. But LeBron is a player unlike any other and if he wants a no-trade clause, he will get it. What James wants, James gets.