When it comes to NBA free agency, there isn’t a bigger eligible name than Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis.
Most around the league seem to believe Davis will turn down his $28.75 player option for next season … then re-sign in LA.
Of course, Davis was asked about his potential free agency directly following the Lakers’ championship-clinching win over the Miami Heat on Sunday, and didn’t provide an answer.
“I have no idea,” Davis told reporters. “I don’t know.”
Davis was pushed for a longer answer and provided one.
“I had a great time in LA this first year. This has been nothing but joy, nothing but amazement,” he 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 (Rich Paul) is who he is, and we’ll discuss it and figure it out.”
Davis was outstanding in his first year next to LeBron James, averaging 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.3 blocks in 62 regular season games. He finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and sixth overall in the MVP race.
“It’s just part of your legacy, to say you’re a champion,” he said. “Not everybody can say that. I wanted to do the same thing in New Orleans. … When I got traded, that’s all I wanted was to be a champion. To be able to compete, be able to win. I was able to do that my first year with the Lakers.”
So it sure sounds as if Davis is ready for a return. It just will likely be on a longer (and larger) contract.
The NBA free agency period is expected to begin in late November or early December.
