Anthony Davis has signed a new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers that will make him the highest-paid player in the NBA on an average annual basis. The All-NBA forward agreed to a three-year, $186 million extension that will keep him with the defending champions until the 2027-28 season: making it the richest annual contract extension in NBA history. The deal ties him to the franchise through 2028 for a total of $270 million.
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Anthony Davis | Credit: Sportingnews. | Source: Google[/caption]
Davis' deal is set to begin with the 2025-26 season, and
he will make about $40.6 million this coming season, then $43.2 million in 2024-25 before the extension kicks in and carries through 2027-28.
Who is Anthony Davis?
Originally from Chicago, 30 year old power forward/center Anthony Davis, joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019 from the New Orleans Pelicans. He is considered one of the league's elite players and has been selected to the All-NBA First Team on four separate occasions.
He kicked five field goals in front of a home crowd at the United Center in the McDonald's All-American Game on March 30, 2011.
After an outstanding college career in 2012, Anthony Davis was honored as "Sporting News Men's College Basketball Player of the Year."
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MVP Anthony Davis. |Credit: Nola.com. | Source: Google[/caption]
Since then, he's set a new NBA record for youngest player to score 59 or more points.
In four seasons with the Lakers, Davis has had averages of 25.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.
How Did Davis Secure This Deal?
Davis, who turned 30 in March, had two years remaining on the contract he signed with the Lakers in December 2020. Over the course of five years, the player would receive $190 million, with the fifth year being a player option. Davis, who was eligible for a higher salary under the new collective bargaining agreement, decided to opt out of his contract this summer and enter free agency.
ESPN reports that Davis received interest from multiple teams in the NBA playoffs and free agency, including the New York Knicks, the Chicago Bulls, and the Golden State Warriors. Despite the Lakers offering Davis a historic contract, Davis decided to remain loyal to the team.
The Lakers have agreed to pay Davis $62 million year,
the highest salary of any NBA player. He has the right to refuse to be traded and stands to gain 15% of his remaining pay should he be traded.
Davis signed the contract and passed the physical, sealing the deal.
What Does This Deal Mean for Davis and the Lakers?
Since joining the Lakers in 2019, Davis has become one of the finest players in the world, thus this contract is a huge reward for him. In the playoffs, the player led the Lakers to their 17th NBA title by averaging 27.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 blocks. In addition to being named to his eighth All-Star team, he also made the NBA's first team for the fourth time in his career.
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Anthony Davis with 2020 NBA Championship title. | Credit: Marca.com[/caption]
Davis' decision demonstrates his trust in the Lakers' ability to form a championship team around him and LeBron James, as seen by the contract. Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard are just a few of the players the Lakers have signed this summer to boost their team and increase their chances of winning another championship.
Davis hopes to win more titles with the Lakers and establish himself as one of the game's all-time icons.
Having locked up their franchise player for the long haul, the Lakers also benefit greatly from the contract. The Lakers have proven their confidence and gratitude in Davis, who has flourished in their system and culture. By signing the player to such a record deal, the Lakers have demonstrated their desire and vision, positioning themselves to be one of the most appealing destinations for other players in the future.
The deal has been met with mixed views, with some claiming Davis is deserving of the money because he is a once-in-a-generation talent and a champion. Some people may think he is overvalued and overpaid, though.
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Lakers Powerhouse, Anthony Davis and LeBron James. | Credit: Lakersdaily[/caption]
With the Lakers hoping to create a championship squad around Davis and LeBron James, Davis will be seeking to make an early impact and contribute to the team's pursuit of an 18th NBA title this season.
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