Anthony Davis had an incredible run in the playoffs: 22.6 points and 14.1 rebounds per game while looking like the best defenseman in the league. It was a reminder of why he has a championship ring and what he is capable of when healthy.
After that, should the Lakers offer him a contract extension?
Davis is contracted for $40.6 million next season, with an early termination option (essentially a player option) for the 2024-25 season for $43.2 million. In August, the Lakers can offer Davis an extension of up to three years, $167 million (approximately, that would depend on official salary cap numbers).
If the Lakers? ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on Get Up that locking Davis out so he can’t test free agency in 2024 will be a priority and they will extend it. However, on Sedano and Kap on ESPNLA, ESPN’s Lakers beat writer Dave McMenamin was more cautious. (Real GM hat tip.)
“Certainly the thought of the Lakers since acquiring Anthony Davis is that this is an Anthony Davis, LeBron James combo deal. With LeBron James only under contract for sure for another year with an option of player the following year., and with him openly considering retirement at this point in his career… But you just don’t. You play this year with him. You see where things are with him and LeBron Obviously then you risk the second year he has left he can opt out and leave as a free agent…
“You hope Anthony Davis stays healthy and gets the best out of him next year. But I don’t think they’ll be able to look at a long-term extension for him this summer. .
At its core, it comes down to LeBron James and his future. If he retires, leaves or in any way isn’t on the Lakers after the summer of 2024, as big as Davis is, he’s not the #1 option the Lakers would want to rebuild . At this point, the Lakers would like to move on, although trading Davis (or completing a signing and trade) is the Lakers’ preferred option, bringing back the pick and younger players for help jump-start whatever comes next.
If LeBron is still a Laker in 2024-25, the Lakers would want Davis on the roster.
It’s not an easy decision for the Lakers, but with an increasingly strict CBA looming, it’s understandable the Lakers would want to wait and see how this season unfolds before committing to Davis.
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Question from the Lakers coming in August: Extend Anthony Davis, or wait? originally appeared on NBCSports.com