Anthony Davis is expected to sign his new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers this week. Though that is a foregone conclusion, most are wondering if it will be a short or long-term deal. The type of contract the 6-foot-10 center will get could hint at future moves on the purple and gold’s plans moving forward.
Before looking too far ahead, there is the 2020-21 season to address. With a busy and productive offseason for the Lakers, there is no question that Davis was one of the many happy people on the team.
On paper, the Lakers appear to have become more formidable. The new faces in the mix include Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell, Wes Matthews and Marc Gasol. Jared Dudley was the last former Laker re-signed, agreeing to a one-year $2.6 million deal, ESPN reported.
Free agent G Jared Dudley has agreed to a 1-year, $2.6M deal to return to the Lakers, agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells me and @ZachLowe_NBA. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 30, 2020
Hence, it is now time to put the last piece of the Lakers 2020-21 campaign in Davis. According to sources cited by Marc Stein of the New York Times, Davis is expected to sit down with Lakers management with his agent Rich Paul.
The tenure of the deal is unlikely to be a big issue. But if the Lakers are thinking about the next offseason, a two-year deal with a player option next offseason is likely the one Davis will get. The reason behind that is flexibility after the current season.
It is no secret that multiple teams are waiting on what the future holds for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time NBA MVP has yet to sign a max-deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, meaning there is a chance he will be one of the prized targets by teams next offseason.
The Lakers remain in play but they can offer only so much. But if Davis and LeBron James opt out of their deals next summer, Los Angeles would get some financial flexibility trying to lure “The Greek Freak” into the fold.
Aside from the Lakers, other teams have Antetokounmpo on their radar. But one thing that the 25-year-old may want is an NBA title. If that is the case, he may limit his options on contenders rather than joining rebuilding squads.
All these should be taken with a grain of salt for now. If the Bucks fail to hook him up with a max deal soon, expect NBA rumors to run like crazy this coming season with most figuring out the best landing spot for the four-time All-Star.
