USA Today via Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) celebrates after making a three pointer during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in game 4 of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) celebrates after making a three pointer during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in game 4 of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis worked out perfectly for both AD and the Los Angeles Lakers. Davis’ contributions were instrumental in hanging championship banner #17 in the rafters for the franchise.
The DPOY runner-up averaged a stunning 27.7 points coupled with 9.7 boards, all while knocking 57.1% of shots in the Playoffs. However, Davis has a player option next season and could become a free agent if he wants to.
Lakers legend Magic Johnson shared his views on the upcoming decision for AD with Forbes’ Adam Zagoria.
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“I am positive Anthony Davis is coming back. This has been the greatest situation for Anthony Davis and the Lakers. Anthony Davis is known across the world now because of the platform of the Lakers. And then, him and LeBron again next season, man, they can repeat.
“They make each other better. And last but not least, this is the great thing, when LeBron retires, he says, ‘Here, Anthony Davis, it’s your team now. Lead the Lakers to the next five, six championships’. Anthony Davis also loves living in Los Angeles, too.”
Now on @ForbesSports
Magic Johnson Guarantees Anthony Davis Will Return, Lakers Will Repeat And Talks LeBron/MJ GOAT Debate via @forbes https://t.co/OvbNDTSoE6@MagicJohnson
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) October 12, 2020
As Magic pointed out, there is no reason for AD to take his talents elsewhere for the next couple of seasons. LeBron James is yet to show any signs of decline, even after 17 years in the league. Moreover, both superstars have a terrific relationship both on and off the court.
If Davis is still unsure about his future, he might sign a smaller deal with LA to keep his options open.
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Should Anthony Davis return to the Los Angeles Lakers?
USA Today via Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and forward Anthony Davis (3) celebrate during the fourth quarter in game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsMandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
In a nutshell, yes. Davis will most likely opt in for the $28M option in the upcoming season. Moreover, the Lakers stream rolled past the entire West in the postseason, losing just 5 games.
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However, next year the West will become even more competitive with the GSW entering back into talks. The Lakers might be just a piece or two away from potentially repeating. They undoubtedly need a couple of dead-eye shooters on the team to make them even better.
But what do you think? Should Davis re-sign with the Lakers or take his talents elsewhere?
