Anthony Davis forced a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers intending to win an NBA championship. With an NBA ring now on his resume, the All-Star forward is reportedly set to make a big decision this offseason regarding his future in Los Angeles.
Lakers rumors: Latest on Anthony Davis and NBA free agency
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Davis intends to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract and will turn down the $28.7 million player option for the 2021 season. Once he becomes a free agent, the 27-year-old plans to re-sign with the Lakers.
Coming off a disastrous economic season for the NBA, which saw the league lose over $1 billion in revenue, the salary cap for next season is expected to take a hit. However, with an opportunity to make even more money on a multi-year extension, Davis will weigh multiple possibilities with the Lakers.
- Two-year contract worth $68.103 million: Davis could take the one-and-one approach with this offer, receiving a player option for the second season.
- Three-year deal for $106.084 million: Under this agreement, Davis would hold a player option after the second year. It would allow him to become a free agent in 2022 with 10 years of service, qualifying him for the 35% max contract scale.
- Four-year contract worth $146.684 million: As part of this potential deal, Davis would hold an opt-out after this third season with the Lakers. It would make him eligible for a $266.4 million max, over five seasons when he hit free agency again.
No matter what, Davis is expected to remain in Los Angeles. The pairing with LeBron James has worked out perfectly, already bringing the title back to the city.
Lakers offseason outlook:
While Davis is the priority this offseason, the Lakers will need to fortify their bench before next season. With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Rajon Rondo, Markieff Morris and Avery Bradley all free to hit the open market, Los Angeles will be busy this offseason.
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: Coming off a strong playoff run, KCP is expected to turn down his $8.5 million player option. According to The Athletic, there’s significant mutual interest in a reunion, but other NBA teams will be involved.
- Rajon Rondo: A two-time NBA champion, Rondo is expected to decline his $2.7 million option, but there is mutual interest in running it back with the Lakers.
- Dwight Howard: Both sides are reportedly interested in a new deal, but multiple contenders will also make a run at the former All-Star center.
- Avery Bradley: Holding a $5 million player option for next season, Bradley is expected to return to the Lakers.
The Lakers have a good chance to head into 2021 with the same cast of talent that won an NBA championship in the bubble. Los Angeles will also have the No. 28 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, a potential asset to shop around the league in a trade.