Anthony Davis has been a blessing for the Los Angeles Lakers ever since he joined in 2019. He helped the team win the championship very early in 2019-20. The Lakers saw the rise of another great duo wearing purple and gold. Meanwhile, King James will be 39 this December and has already hinted at his retirement a couple of times.
Albeit, he will play in the next season. Both contracts of AD and LeBron James were about to end after the next season. Perhaps the Laker’s front office was looking at the AD’s contract extension as an opportunity to ensure both players stay with the LA side for at least another three years. Moreover, the Lakers tricked Anthony Davis into signing a cheaper deal than what he could get.
Lakers Got Anthony Davis To Extend The Contract Way Too Easy
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, from August 4, Anthony Davis was eligible for at least a five-year contract extension worth over $304 million. For instance, the kind of contract Jaylen Brown enjoys with his current team. However, the LA side made AD sign a three-year contract worth $186 million. Anthony Davis signed this deal with the Lakers on the first day of eligibility. But some experts believe he could have gotten way more. AD could get a maximum deal of $344 million for six years – $270 million, an extra year, a difference of $70 million.
However, the eight-time All-Star let such an opportunity bypass. But Anthony Davis will stay as a Laker for three years more. The Lakers would love to get to 18 titles before Boston Celtics does. Both the Lakers and the Celtics have won the title 17 times each. Hence, the Western Conference giants would like to beat the Eastern Conference giants in the title race. The best chance for the Lakers is when Anthony Davis and LeBron James play together.
Did Lakers Trick LeBron James To Stay For Another Three Years With AD’s Contract Extension?
Moreover, an NBA executive told Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney that making sure AD stays for another three years was a trick to make LeBron James stay for the same time. Anthony Davis and LeBron James have a Klutch Sports connection. Hence, King James is somewhat responsible for the eight-time All-Star. Moreover, they have a great rapport on and off the court. Hence, this contract extension of Anthony Davis can make LeBron James stay for another three years till the 2025 season. He will be 41, but he might still be an awesome force of nature.
Back in the day, the Lakers had the duo of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Later, the LA side saw the domination of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. These duos have won multiple championships for the side and helped it become the most iconic dynasty of the NBA. Lately, the Lakers Nation is looking up to the duo of LeBron James and AD to win their second title as Lakers next year. This duo ended the LA side’s title drought back in 2020 during the pandemic. However, it has been three years since then but no more titles as of yet.