The Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement with eight-time All-Star forward Anthony Davis on a contract extension lasting three years and valued at $186 million.
Davis, aged 30, still has two years left on his initial five-year contract worth $190 million. With this extension, his commitment to the Lakers extends until the conclusion of the 2027-28 season.
Since playing a pivotal role in the Lakers’ victory during the 2020 NBA Finals, Davis has been regarded as a cornerstone of the franchise. There were uncertainties about his long-term plans in Los Angeles, especially with LeBron James approaching the final year of his contract.
In the previous season, Davis showcased his prowess by averaging 25.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, all while achieving a career-high shooting percentage of 56.3% from the field.
Selected as the top overall pick in the 2012 draft, Davis continues to hold a prominent position among the NBA’s elite players, provided he remains in good health. However, he has encountered difficulties in maintaining his presence on the court, having been absent for a total of 104 games throughout the past three seasons.
Despite Davis’ recent injury challenges, the Lakers managed to reach the Western Conference finals in the previous season. Coupled with a positive offseason, the team is poised for high expectations in Los Angeles. However, the ongoing concerns regarding the durability of both Davis and LeBron James still linger.
“We are trending in the right direction,” Davis said at the end of last season. “Obviously, the goal is to win championships, and we wanted to be not just knocking on the door but actually get it done, walk through the door. So that’s our goal. That’s our goal every time we step on the floor for training camp, and I’m 100-percent sure that will be the goal next year.”
During 11 NBA seasons, Davis has averaged 24 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists, along with 2.31 blocks and 1.34 steals.
In 55 career playoff games, Davis has averaged 25.9 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 53.3 percent from the field.