As expected, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis plans to opt out of his contract and then re-sign with the franchise after winning the title, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Davis has a $28.75 million player option for next season, but he's set to decline that in order to make more money on a new deal. The star big man will discuss a variety of contract options with agent Rich Paul over the next few weeks as the NBA figures out its financial future, including short- and long-term deals. Here are some of the options based on the salary cap staying where it is at around $109 million:
• Two years, $68,103,360: One-plus-one, player option in year two.
• Three years, $106,084,080: Two-plus-one, player option in year three. This deal would bring Davis to 10 years of service before 2022 free agency and thus make him eligible for the 35 percent max contract. Using a $125 million cap projection in 2022, Davis’ max deal would be worth $253.75 million over five years, or $196 million over four years.
• Four years, $146,684,160: Three-plus-one, player option in year four. Using a potential $131.25 million cap in 2023, Davis would be in line for a $266.4 million max over five years or $205.8 million over four years.
The Lakers big man played things rather coy when asked about his free agency after winning the title, but during the ensuing celebration he said he wanted to “run it back” while on Quinn Cook's IG Live. There was never really much doubt about Davis' desire to return to L.A. after he won his first title.
Davis was terrific throughout the season playing alongside LeBron James. The two immediately built a strong rapport after Davis' trade from the New Orleans Pelicans, and they have also proven to be an unstoppable force together on the court.
While it was LeBron who won Finals MVP, Davis was a worthy sidekick, dominating throughout the playoffs and in the championship series. The Lakers big man averaged 25.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.3 steals while shooting a ridiculous 57.1% overall, 42.1% from 3-land and 93.8% from the free-throw line against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
Anthony Davis and LeBron James are in line to dominate again next season, and likely even longer than that.
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