LAKERS’ DAVIS IS THE PRESENT FOR THE FUTURE
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka, no stranger to an eyebrow-raising turn of phrase, once called the signing of Kentavious CaldwellPope a gift akin to “bread” falling from the heavens to feed the Israelites.
Imagine the luxury loaves that fell from the skies Thursday once Anthony Davis, the star primed to carry the Lakers to their post-LeBron James destiny, re-upped for five years and $190 million, according to Klutch Sports Chief Executive Rich Paul. The Lakers announced the signing but not the details in the late afternoon.
“Now, Lakers fans get to watch AD continue to grow and lead our franchise for years to come,” Pelinka said in a statement. “This is truly a blessed moment for Lakers Nation.”
A truly blessed moment? That might be an undersell.
With the team heading into next season as the betting favorites to repeat as NBA champions, Davis seems primed to lead them, to further grab hold of the torch — at least during the regular season — from James, who agreed to a two-year extension one day earlier.
“I’m expecting AD to go for the MVP,” Lakers veteran Jared Dudley said Thursday. “I’m expecting him to set the tone.”
With a compressed break doing the Lakers no favors after the team captured the NBA championship, with load management for the soon-to-be 36-year-old James lurking, the moment might be right for Davis to show that he’s MVP material.
After the Lakers sent most of their young players and several draft picks to New Orleans to acquire Davis in 2019, the 27-year-old said he intended to explore free agency once his contract ex
pired this past season. But because of the Lakers’ success and his obvious on- and off-court chemistry with James, no teams in the NBA were viewed as a significant threat to lure him away from
the Lakers.
So the team went about its business in the offseason, trading for Dennis Schroder, signing Montrezl Harrell, Wesley Matthews and Marc Gasol, and re-upping with
Caldwell-Pope and Markieff Morris, all while Davis figured out the length and terms of the deal he wanted to sign.
With the Lakers opening training camp Thursday, Davis settled on the deal with the most money and security, electing for maximum years and guaranteed dollars instead of a shorter contract that would’ve put him into free agency sooner.
In his first season with the Lakers, Davis averaged 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists, boosting those numbers as the Lakers won their first NBA title in a decade. Davis is also regarded as one of the best defenders in the NBA, and with the Lakers needing to make a switch in the NBA Finals to better guard Jimmy Butler, coach Frank Vogel turned to Davis.
Kuzma update
Kyle Kuzma said his representatives have been in contract with the Lakers regarding his contract status. Kuzma, who is making $3.5 million this season, is eligible for a contract extension with the Lakers.
“Yeah, we’ve talked, so it’s obviously just talk between my agent and the organization,” Kuzma said.
The Lakers can make Kuzma a qualifying offer, which would be worth about $5.2 million for next season. Then Kuzma would become a restricted free agent next summer and the team could match any offer he receives.
Notable
The Denver Nuggets resigned forward Paul Millsap to a one-year deal. Millsap has spent the last three seasons in Denver, averaging 12.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and a steal in 159 games.