Anthony Davis has been the potential leader the Los Angeles Lakers seek in the post-LeBron James era. Nobody can take the place of LeBron James. Even at 38, he proved that James was irreplaceable. LeBron James broke the all-time scoring record. He is number four in the list of all-time assists. But the fans and experts question the age of King James despite how well he performs. He will be 39 this December.
From August 4, AD becomes eligible to sign a new contract with the Lakers. However, AD has always mentioned how much he and his family love living in Los Angeles. Hence, there is a good chance that there will be a mutual agreement on extending the contract. Moreover, the Lakers might look to ensure that Anthony Davis stays for many more years with the franchise.
Lakers Can Possibly Make A Move Toward AD’s Contract Extension This Week
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, there is an expectation that the 17-time champions will take some steps this week regarding Anthony Davis. They might show interest in signing a contract renewal or offer AD something this week. However, the concern will always be about the eight-time All-Star’s fitness. He has never been able to play more than 60 games a season since 2019-20. Hence, the Lakers are doing all they can to ensure they don’t put too much stress on AD’s ankles. If that happens again, then he might go on to miss another twenty games on the trot.
It will push the Los Angeles Lakers further back. But when Anthony Davis stays healthy, he maintains an average of 25.9 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 2.0 blocks, along with 1.1 steals. Moreover, he shoots 56.3% from the field. However, AD played 56 games in 2022-23, 40 in 2021-22, and 36 in 2020-21. Hence, he is gradually improving in terms of the load he carries every season. But a risk factor about his availability due to poor health remains. But he will be the most important player for the team to handle the attacks of Nikola Jokic and other big players and teams next season.
Lakers Nation Will Look At Anthony Davis To Take The Role Of King James In Post-James Era
For sure, LeBron James is in the twilight of his career. He has already played for twenty years in the NBA. The next season will be his 21st season. If age was a question, then adding to that, LeBron James speculated about his retirement multiple times recently. Especially after the humiliating loss to Denver Nuggets in Western Conference Finals, James mentioned that he has a lot to think about in his game of basketball.
Even though LeBron James later said that he would be back, the Lakers are looking at Anthony Davis to lead them now and after King James finally announces his retirement. But AD’s contract is the most expensive one other than that of LeBron James on the Laker’s roster. Moreover, their low-cost-cap space has been an issue this offseason. Hence, there is a little bit of uncertainty regarding the contract extension of the eight-time All-Star. Moreover, the Laker’s governor, Jeanie Buss, did not sound too optimistic about retaining Anthony Davis after the next season in her recent interview with Sportskeeda.
