Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis had an incredibly successful first season in L.A., being a leading part of the franchise’s 17th NBA championship and the first of his career. Much has changed for Davis, for the better, since requesting a trade from New Orleans that eventually saw his public perception take a hit. But all of that is out the window now and Davis was the second-best player, some would say best, on a championship team. Now, it’s time to get paid but being a Laker is definitely a part of the grand plan for Anthony Davis.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Davis is expected to opt-out of the final year of his current contract in order to sign a longer deal with the Lakers. Davis has a lot of options at his disposal, including a 2 + 1 and a 1+1, that could get him to 10 years of service, where max salary players can earn even higher salaries.
• 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 will likely spare no expense in keeping Davis and Klutch Sports equally will not leave any money on the table in making Davis whole after an incredible playoff run.
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