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Lakers big man Anthony Davis is set to decline his player option for next season, paving the way for him to sign a lucrative long-term deal with Los Angeles. Yahoo Sports NBA Insider Chris Haynes reported on Davis’ decision on Sunday.
Yahoo Sources: Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis is officially declining his $28.7 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 16, 2020
In October, The Athletic’s Shams Charania outlined the type of deals that Davis is likely to explore with the Lakers once he declines his player option.
Davis plans to opt out of his $28.7 million player option and re-sign with the Lakers, sources tell The Athletic. Davis and his agent, Rich Paul, will hold meetings in the coming weeks to discuss the situation and the contract term that is most sensible for Davis. Among the expected deal possibilities for Davis this offseason (projected numbers based on salary cap of $109,140,000):
• Two years, $68,103,360: One-plus-one, player option in year two.
• Three years, $106,084,080: Two-plus-one, player option in year three. This deal would bring Davis to 10 years of service before 2022 free agency and thus make him eligible for the 35 percent max contract. Using a $125 million cap projection in 2022, Davis’ max deal would be worth $253.75 million over five years, or $196 million over four years.
• Four years, $146,684,160: Three-plus-one, player option in year four. Using a potential $131.25 million cap in 2023, Davis would be in line for a $266.4 million max over five years or $205.8 million over four years.
Davis, in his first season with the Lakers, posted 26.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. In the postseason, he increased his scoring output to 27.7 points per game. The NBA’s trade window opens on Monday, followed by the NBA Draft and free agency later in the week.