LeBron James expected to opt out of Lakers contract and enter free agency market: report

Rich Paul said that LeBron James is "off this idea of having to play with Bronny." Craig Carton speculates whether or not LeBron will play for a different team next season to play with his son.

Four-time NBA champion LeBron James is expected to opt out of the last year of his current contract, the Los Angeles Times reported on 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 does not intend to leave the Lakers. 

In May, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said 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 achieved in a new contract.

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LeBron James of the Lakers during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 1, 2022, at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles. (Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBA rules prevent no-trade clauses from being tacked on to existing contracts via extensions. Only 10 players in league history have been able to work a no-trade clause into their respective contracts.

James is projected to ultimately ink a three-year, $162 million deal. He would effectively give up around $2.3 million in total money if he opts out instead of extending his player option. But, he might believe the financial sacrifice is worthwhile if it gets him a no-trade clause.

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Three years is the maximum number of years James can now sign for due to the NBA's over-38 rule. The Lakers brass is reportedly willing to grant James "any contract structure" he wants in a new deal.

Lakers forward LeBron James gestures