Davis unsure what lies ahead for ’21
Lakers star Anthony Davis offered an answer Sunday night on what his potential future entails after the franchise seized its 17th NBA title but first in 10 years.
“I have no idea,” said Davis, who has a player option for next season. “I don’t know.”
No need to continue this speculation. After winning his first NBA championship, Davis will return next season. The only uncertainty surrounds what his deal will look like.
“I had a great time in LA this first year. This has been nothing but joy, nothing but amazement,” Davis said. “Over the next couple of months, we’ll figure it out. I mean, I’m not 100% sure, but that’s why my agent is who he is and we’ll discuss it and figure it out.”
Davis declined the Lakers’ four-year, $146 million max extension in January so he could potentially earn more as an unrestricted free agent. Davis made that move, however, roughly two months before the NBA suspended the season because of the coronavirus. The league’s salary cap will likely be significantly lower next season; it is tied to “basketball-related income,” an avenue that was hit without fans attending games.
Should Davis hold out for a five-year offer, even though it will be likely much lower than the $202 million he could have made? Or is he better off exercising his $28.7 million player option so that he could possibly earn more next summer?
It is not clear when Davis has to make that decision. Nor is it clear when the NBA will finalize its cap numbers.