On Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis agreed to a three-year, $186 million contract extension, according to an Associated Press source. The deal will keep Davis with the Lakers through the 2023-24 season.
The news of the extension comes after Davis opted out of the final year of his current deal with the Lakers, which was set to pay him $28.7 million for the 2020-21 season. The new contract will make Davis the highest-paid player in the NBA, surpassing Houston Rockets guard James Harden, who is currently making $38.2 million per season.
The extension is a major win for the Lakers, who acquired Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans in a blockbuster trade last summer. Since joining the Lakers, Davis has been a key contributor to the team’s success, averaging 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 51.7% from the field. He was also instrumental in helping the Lakers win their 17th NBA championship this past season.
The extension is also a major win for Davis, who will now be able to remain with the team that he helped lead to a championship. It also gives him financial security for the next three years, as he will now be making more than double what he was set to make this season.
Overall, it’s a great move for both sides. The Lakers get to keep one of their best players in franchise history, while Davis gets to remain with a championship-caliber team and receive a massive pay raise in the process. It’s a win-win for both sides, and it should ensure that the Lakers remain competitive for years to come.