Anthony Davis has been the Los Angeles Lakers’ guiding force after LeBron James ever since he joined the team in 2019. However, in the past season, he took over the lead from LeBron to guide the team to the Western Conference Finals. Despite batting consistent injuries, Davis remained a top contributor to the purple and gold’s success in the 2022-23 NBA season.
The Brow initially signed a four-year $146 million contract with the Lakers in 2020, along with a player option for the fifth year. He still has two seasons left which makes him eligible for extension negotiations. However, since the off-season commenced, the Lakers have stayed busy in retaining the free agents. Speaking of Davis, the team has reportedly had a change of heart.
NBA Executive Claims Lakers Are Reluctant To Extend Anthony Davis’ Stay In LA
Undoubtedly, Anthony Davis is the strongest center of the Los Angeles Lakers roster. His ability to control both ends of the court makes him an invaluable asset. In the 2022-23 NBA season, he averaged 25.9 points on 56.3 percent shooting, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. However, injuries continued to hinder his growth. Davis’ injury history has been a problem since the very beginning. Last season, he spent nearly a month on the bench due to an ankle injury. As a result, the Lakers are now having a change of heart toward AD. As per an unnamed Western Conference executive who spoke to Heavy.com, the purple and gold are reluctant to give an extension to Davis.
The executive elaborated that the Lakers are adopting a wait-and-see approach. They want to see if Anthony Davis can stay healthy next season and also how the new roster plays around him. However, the anonymous personnel also believes that if the purple and gold can get AD to sign a minimum contract that is lower than his market value, that would be a calculated risk the team can afford to take. Having said that, despite health concerns, Davis is very much in the middle of his prime. If he chooses to enter free agency next year, he could fetch a good deal. But since LA is building a young team, they might now need AD’s services after all.
Rob Pelinka Speaks On Extension Negotiations With Davis
Meanwhile, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka spoke about the status of Anthony Davis’ contract extension negotiations. He said that CBA’s strict rules disallow him from disclosing inside information. Hence, he is not in a position to give any update. That being said, Pelinka did speak highly of Davis. He said that AD has helped the team earn a championship and remains a great leader and captain in the locker room.
Further, Rob Pelinka applauded Anthony Davis’ spirit, saying that his grit to play through a hard foot injury helped the Lakers reach conference finals. According to the GM, he is a hardcore team player, and he loves to have him on the roster. Ultimately, the decision regarding Davis’s contract extension will depend on various factors, including his health, the Lakers’ financial considerations, and the team’s long-term goals. The organization will likely engage in thorough discussions and assessments to determine the best course of action.