The Los Angeles Lakers recently secured LeBron James with a two-year, $104 million extension, which includes a player option for 2025-26 and a no-trade clause. While retaining James is a significant move, the Lakers now face the task of addressing Anthony Davis’ contract situation.
Lakers Cornerstone Set to Secure Extremely Lucrative Extension
Davis stands to earn more than James due to the structure of his potential contract. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report anticipates that Davis could secure a three-year deal worth $212.2 million.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo (29) of the Milwaukee Bucks and Anthony Davis (31) of the Los Angeles Lakers are set to make $58.5 million for the 2026-27 season, with player options for 2027-28 at $62.79 million. Nikola Jokić (29) of the Denver Nuggets slightly exceeds this with $59 million and $62.84 million. All three have the option to void their contract years and extend next summer, potentially adding three more seasons starting at $65.5 million, for a total of $212.2 million,” Pincus stated on September 3.
If Davis waits a year to extend during the 2026-27 season, his earnings could increase to $293.4 million over four years, subject to the Over-38 Rule.
Future Lakers Contention Post-2027-28
With LeBron James aging and possibly retiring by 2027-28, the Lakers could be on the brink of a rebuild. Although Anthony Davis is an elite player, the Lakers might hesitate to commit to a $212.2 million contract during a rebuilding phase.
Nonetheless, the Lakers have a history of attracting top-tier free agents. After James retires, they might be in a strong position to sign another star.
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Lakers have their eyes set on Luka Dončić. O’Connor mentioned on “The Mismatch” podcast that the Lakers “have their sights set on Luka Dončić in the future.”
Though it’s uncertain if this plan will materialize, especially with Dallas’s recent success, the Lakers’ decision to hold onto their future picks suggests they are planning for the long term rather than an immediate all-in approach with James.
Pairing Davis with Dončić would be an ideal scenario for the Lakers. Still, there are a lot of superstars that could and will get disgruntled between now and the summer of 2027-28. It’s a make-or-miss league. Oftentimes, when teams miss out on their goals, players end up switching teams to find success elsewhere.
Is Anthony Davis Worth $212 Million for the Lakers?
At 31, Anthony Davis has battled injuries throughout his career, but he has been dependable for the Lakers over the last two seasons. He participated in all the playoff games over the past two years and appeared in 76 regular season games last year. Davis’ impact is undeniable when he’s on the court, as evidenced by his 2023-24 averages of 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. His performance earned him first-team All-Defense and second-team All-NBA honors.
Although Davis hasn’t received MVP votes since the 2019-20 season, his play last year indicates he still possesses that level of talent. Given his contributions, Davis should be a key part of the Lakers’ future, with $212.2 million being a fair valuation for a player of his caliber. With his impact on both ends for the Lakers, they might even consider it a bargain.
