Anthony Davis has been the pillar of the Los Angeles Lakers since he joined in 2019. He became a strong duo with LeBron James and led the iconic Purple and gold army to win the 2020 championship. Since then, this duo has been carrying the hopes of the Lakers Nation on their shoulders. But they have not won a title since 2020. Moreover, the LA side could not even make the postseason in 2021-22. However, the front office made some crucial changes in the mid-season and brought balance and stability to the team in the previous season.
Later, the Lakers reached the Western Conference Finals. Anthony Davis was absolutely brilliant after he returned from injury. Besides his injury issues, he has been absolutely rock solid for the Lakers, both in offense and defense. Recently, ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon expressed his positive view on Laker’s extending the contract of Anthony Davis. He feels it is good for the side, especially in the post-James era.
ESPN Reporter Says AD’s Contract Extension Makes Lakers An Attractive Destination For Free Agents
The reporter further pointed out that Anthony Davis is a long-term deal for the Lakers. He became eligible for a contract extension on August 4. The LA side extended his contract to three years worth $186 million. Moreover, Austin Reaves is around for four years. Speaking with Brian Windhorst and The Hoop Collective, the ESPN reporter mentioned AD’s contract extension puts the Lakers in an excellent position to sign recruits.
Adding to that, Tim MacMahon said even without LeBron James, the Lakers have a chance to stay relevant and attractive for anybody who wants to move out of a team or a free agent. The Lakers must keep Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves happy after the King retires. But the Lakers Nation would hope to see the leader of the all-time scoring stay for as long as possible. However, with time everybody has to retire, even the great LeBron James. The Lakers might retire his jersey after he gets his induction into the Hall Of Fame. But before he retires, King James would want to finish with his 5th NBA Championship.
Lakers Will Depend On Anthony Davis And Austin Reaves In Post-James Era
The primary reason why the players and coaches see the 17-time champions as a worthy title-winning side is because of the James-Davis duo. As long as they are part of the LA side, Rob Pelinka and the front office can still find it easy to recruit new players. However, LeBron James will be 39 next December. He is at the twilight of his career. Moreover, he is busy planning his father’s time with his family.
He wants his son Bronny who suffered a cardiac arrest recently, to have a healthy lifestyle. But he dreams of playing alongside his son before he retires. It might happen within the next two or three years. Hence, King James may not be available for the Lakers for too long. That makes Anthony Davis their only source of hope and attraction for free agents. Moreover, Austin Reaves is also a promising prospect for the Lakers to stay relevant.
