It is no longer news that Anthony Davis turned down the $146 million super-max that the Los Angeles Lakers offered to him. The big man reasoned he plans to finish the job first in the ongoing campaign then weigh his options when the offseason sets in. it's clear that Davis is waiting for better deals to come by.
However, it's no longer a question that he will remain with the Lakers. And that follows Davis will sign an extension with the club and continue playing with LeBron James. But the setup that he envisions is not exactly the way that the Lakers want it to be.
Instead of a five-year super-max, which could get AD an estimated $202 million haul in the next five years, he would insist for three years more with an opt-out on the last year, according to NBC Sports.
Security is the chief motivator for Davis, and it makes sense because two more years in the league, and it would be his 10th season, and he'd get the prize of a pay hike of up to 35 percent off the salary cap. This translates to the likelihood of commanding a more lucrative contract, possibly from the Lakers or from other interested teams.
By 2022, Davis would be ready for the five-year lock-in, and it's up to the Lakers to put together a package that will make him stay.
Essentially, Davis is following the path taken by Kawhi Leonard with the Clippers. The big man is positioning for the future because, in 2022, there are multiple possibilities that will be waiting for him. And one big factor he will only be 29 by that time, according to Fadeaway World.
The age consideration is crucial in the sense that another two years, James would be 37, possibly not the same King James of the younger years or even already retired. Around that time, Davis will have a clearer view of everything before making his decision.
He will need to consider that if James is already enjoying retirement, will the Lakers be the same. If the answer is no and AD is convinced of getting a better deal elsewhere when moving would be easier for him. So there is wisdom attached in how Davis is approaching his signing concerns, and that always seems to be the case.
In the next two years, it seems quite certain that Davis will continue campaigning in the NBA with the Purple & Gold. But beyond 2022, where he goes will all depend on how the Lakers will fare this season the couple more to come.
