Davis stays with Lakers for $190M

Anthony Davis is finalizing a five-year contract worth up to $190 million to return to the Lakers.

Davis’ agent,

Rich Paul of

Klutch Sports, confirmed the terms of Davis’ pending free agent deal on

Thursday. The Lakers didn’t comment.

One day after LeBron James agreed to a two-year, $85 million contract extension with the Lakers through 202223, Davis committed to the Lakers through the 2024-25 season. Davis’ deal includes an early termination clause prior to the fifth year, but the lengthy contract is still a clear declaration that the 27-yearold Davis sees his long-term future with the 17-time NBA champions.

James and Davis won an NBA championship in the first season of their partnership, and they’re returning this month with new contracts and a solid chance to repeat.

“Those are great contracts, and they’re well-deserved,” veteran Lakers forward Markieff Morris said Thursday from the opening workouts of training camp. “It’s a big family, and it worked out the best for everybody.”

The Lakers acquired Davis in a trade less than 18 months ago, shipping most of their young core to the Pelicans to acquire one of the best big men of his generation. Davis made the All-NBA first team three times and earned six straight All-Star selections with the Pelicans, but only reached the second round of the playoffs once.

With Klutch clients James and Davis at their core, the Lakers immediately built a championship contender around them last season. The 6-foot-10 Davis swiftly clicked alongside James, who molded himself into a point guard and led the NBA in assists.

That helped maximize the talent of Davis, who averaged 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.3 blocks per game and earned his seventh straight All-Star selection.

THE QUOTE

“When stuff like this kind of happens where there’s a little indecision and stuff going on, I kind of take a step back and allow guys some space.”

— First-year Rockets coach Stephen Silas when asked if he’s been in regular contact with star James Harden, who has requested a trade. Instead, the Rockets dealt Russell Westbrook to the Wizards for John Wall on Thursday.