Anthony Davis to remain with Lakers? 'We're gonna run it right back'
Anthony Davis can opt out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and become a free agent this offseason, but after helping the team capture their 17th NBA title on Friday, it appears the former New Orleans Pelicans star doesn't plan on going anywhere.
In an Instagram video with Quinn Cook, Davis was captured saying "We're gonna run it right back," which likely means he plans on remaining with Los Angeles and winning another title next season.
However, Davis said following the Lakers' 106-93 win over the Miami Heat in Game 6 that he wasn't sure what he'll do next and intends to lean on his agent, Rich Paul.
"I had a great time in L.A. this first year," Davis said, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "This has been nothing but joy, nothing but amazement. Over the next couple of months, we'll figure it out. I mean, I'm not 100 percent sure, but that's why my agent [Rich Paul] is who he is, and we'll discuss it and figure it out."
It's pretty hard to imagine Davis not returning to defend the Lakers' title alongside LeBron James. While Davis is expected to opt out, he could return to the Lakers next season on a deal worth up to $32.7 million per year if the salary cap stays at $109.1 million. If he doesn't opt out and sticks with his current deal, he'll make $28.8 million next season.
Davis has worked out extremely well for the Lakers, who traded Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and three first-round picks to the Pelicans for the All-Star. He was named to the All-NBA First Team and received All-Defensive honors while coming in second in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Giannis Antetokounmpo.
With his first title win and likely more to come, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka would be crazy to let him walk away.
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