The Lakers have made clear that keeping Anthony Davis for the long-term is a top priority. True enough, the team had sacrificed a great deal to get the former New Orleans power forward to Los Angeles. For AD, the Lakers made the decision to reshape the club's future but with no assurance that the star will stay for the long haul.
Already, Davis has been offered an extension but the 27-year-old opted to focus first on the ongoing season's campaign. It is believed he wants to keep wearing the Purple & Gold but at the same time, AD is looking to score a deal in LA that will provide him security in the years to come.
The Lakers had to see Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart go when the decision was made to acquire Davis from the Pelicans. In terms of security, he has that assurance in Los Angeles, according to Clutch Points, adding that for the opportunity to get AD the team swapped their future bets in the league.
The only consolation for LA is that "people in NBA circles" are convinced Davis is just biding his time. Eventually, he'd be signing to keep playing with LeBron James and the rest of the crew. The only question is on what exact terms.
"Most in league circles believe that work is largely done-that L.A. is where Davis wanted to be, LeBron James is the teammate he wanted to have, and that the Lakers have done enough to sell him on a future with the franchise," Bleacher Report quoted Kylie Goon as saying.
Goon was saying the Lakers treat AD as a partner and he is on the loop for key decisions that the front office is making. There is no denying Davis is family to the LA club and it is up to him if the plan for the future includes long years with the team.
The expected move from AD is to sign for a one-year deal in the offseason, likely accepting a $28.5 million pay as he waits for the 2021 free agency. The report said the power forward will forego the chance of getting a huge salary in the upcoming season so he can go the super-max next year.
"Davis could take a one-year financial hit with the risk that an injury would hurt his market value for the chance to earn a bigger deal should he stay healthy. The long-term security of a five-year deal, however, could be too enticing to pass up," said the report.
Before the hiatus, AD showed proof that he is worth the money. He was averaging nearly 27 points per game and over nine rebounds. These numbers alone indicated that Davis deserves a super-max deal and the Lakers will be more than willing to oblige.
