Anthony Davis can help the Los Angeles Lakers win many more championships in the future. Moreover, he signed a contract extension for three more years. Anyway, his previous contract would end after the next season. Hence, it was essential for the Laker’s front office to extend his contract as soon as he became eligible.
Moreover, AD became eligible on August 4, and the Lakers did not waste any time to do what was necessary. However, it seems the contract extension of Anthony Davis has more to it than just enticing LeBron James. The eight-time All-Star signed a three-year deal with the purple and gold worth $186 million.
Anthony Davis Has A Player Option In His Third Year Of The Three-Year Contract Extension
According to Hoops Hype’s Michael Scotto, Anthony Davis has a player option in his third year. Hence, the next two seasons will be highly crucial for the Los Angeles Lakers to take care of business since King James will also reach the end of his contract next year. Any free agents would like to join the Lakers if they manage to win a title or two in the next couple of years. If new quality free agents come in, then Anthony Davis might more support, especially after LeBron James retires. Moreover, it is high time for AD to take the torch from the King and produce some MVP-level performances in the following seasons. Anthony Davis is in his 30s and at the prime of his career. Hence, he has many more seasons to play for the Lakers if he stays for a longer time.
Lakers star Anthony Davis has a player option on the final year of his three-year, $186 million extension with Los Angeles, league sources told @hoopshype. https://t.co/SlbMwkq9oA
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 6, 2023
On the other hand, LeBron James will be a year short of 40 next season. Hence, it will again come down to what AD can do for the team as a leader. He led the team well last season to reach the Western Conference Finals. Moreover, he must stay healthy to play more than 60 games next season, which he has not been able to do since the 2020-21 season. But it is true that the Lakers are a much more suitable place for Anthony Davis than New Orleans Pelicans ever was. The Pelicans could never build a roster to support his talent like the Lakers did since his arrival in 2019. Next year, it will come down to what the James-Davis duo manages to accomplish for the 17-time champions.
Lakers Planning Something Deeper To Ensure LeBron James Stay
There were rumors that it was a strategy to ensure LeBron James stays with the Lakers for more than three years at least. An NBA executive told Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney that James and Davis have Klutch Sports connections. Hence, LeBron James is somewhat responsible for what happens to Anthony Davis in Los Angeles Lakers franchise.
But it might not be so easy to keep King James with the Lakers. As he will be in his 40s and far beyond the twilight of his career. Anyway, the four-time MVP has been sustaining injuries more than ever over the last five years. Hence, the Lakers may not put all their hopes on the 19-time All-Star staying for three more years.