The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to big-name players since being eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.
LeBron James’ future in Southern California has also been called into question after the four-time NBA champion floated the possibility of retirement minutes after Los Angeles was swept out of the playoffs by Denver.
One name we have not heard too much about is star big man Anthony Davis. The injury-plagued All-Star is coming off a brilliant postseason performance after facing a ton of criticism for missing games in the recent past.
Assuming he can stay healthy, the 30-year-old Davis still has a lot left in the tank. The Lakers also seem to think so. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported recently that it’s a primary goal of the team to sign Davis to a contract extension during the offseason.
Davis is currently playing under a five-year, $189.9 million contract. He’s set to earn $40.6 million in 2023-24 with an early-termination option of $43.22 million the following season. The eight-time All-Star is not eligible to sign a new deal until August, at which point it would come in at roughly $168 million over three years.
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Should the Los Angeles Lakers consider an Anthony Davis contract extension?
Dating back to the 2020-21 season, Davis has missed 104 of a possible 236 regular season games (44%). Despite a healthy postseason run, this should be of concern for the Lakers’ brass. This is especially true given that said extension would take Davis through his mid-30s.
- Anthony Davis stats (2022-23): 25.9 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 56% FG
The larger question here is whether Los Angeles’ brass feels it can build around AD as the No. 1 star once James decides to call it quits.
Assuming King James does return for the 2023-24 season, he could hit free agency the following summer. James has a $50.65 million player option for the 2024-25 campaign. What happens with his son, an entering freshman at USC and potential 2024 NBA Draft prospect, could also play a role in James’ decision-making process.
Regardless, the Lakers have a ton of decisions to make this offseason. Signing Anthony Davis to an extension will be one of the last things they do ahead of training camp getting going in September.
General manager Rob Pelinka and Co. are currently looking for an upgrade over impending free agent D’Angelo Russell. Meanwhile, breakout star Austin Reaves is slated to become a restricted free agent and could sign an offer sheet upwards of $100 million.