Luka Dončić’s shocking trade to the Los Angeles Lakers signaled that no star was safe from being moved. That said, his present Lakers teammate, LeBron James, is a marquee name in NBA history who has a ‘No Trade Clause’ as part of his deal with the Purple and Gold.
What Does LeBron James’ No-Trade Clause Mean?
It is worth noting that James has never been part of a midseason trade, and the contract provision means the 41-year-old will have the final say on where he wants to go next. A No-Trade Clause in the NBA gives the player the power to veto any trade he is involved in. According to the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement:
“A Player Contract entered into by a player who has eight (8) or more Years of Service in the NBA and who has rendered four (4) or more Years of Service for the Team entering into such Contract may contain a prohibition or limitation of such Team’s right to trade such Contract to another NBA Team.”
In this scenario, the Lakers have always maintained that they would want James to finish his decorated career in Los Angeles. That he qualifies for the NTC also gives him the power to decide his next landing spot. At the time of writing, it is highly unlikely that James will be traded. While he has been continually linked to his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, there is nothing to indicate a potential move.
Per Yahoo! Sports, the four-time NBA champion shared his thoughts on the Lakers’ roster ahead of the trade deadline. “I like this group but we got to get better, and that’s good. We should want to get better. … It’s a tough Western Conference, it’s a tough league,” he said.
“It’s been tough all season as far as dealing with injuries, guys in, guys out. Unfortunately, our All-Star two-guard [Austin Reaves] has been out for a minute and that’s a big piece for our team. It’s kind of hard to see what we can really, truly be.”
While James is expected to remain in LA this season, there has been significant speculation that this will be his last season in a Lakers jersey. Last summer, the veteran picked up his $52.6M option.
Should he decide to make his way out, James will have no dearth of suitors. Previously, the Golden State Warriors were one of the teams that inquired about trading James. Add the likes of the Cavaliers and even possibly the Dallas Mavericks, and the forward will have options to choose from.
James is in his 23rd season in the NBA, and is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game while shooting 50.5% from the field and 32.9% from the three-point line. The Lakers are 29-19 and sixth in the West ahead of the deadline.
