By extending this summer for three seasons and $186 million, Anthony Davis is now tied with the Lakers until 2028, with the possibility of testing the market in 2027.
As LeBron James turns 39 in December and the franchise absolutely wants him to stay healthy, the interior is promised the role of leader of the Californians, at least in the regular season.
If the leaders have decided to bet on the 2020 champion, it is precisely to occupy this place. A big contract for Anthony Davis therefore, but also big responsibilities that go with it.
“When Anthony Davis asked for an extension, Darvin Ham and I had a good discussion with him,” says Rob Pelinka for the franchise website. “The idea was that the franchise was committed to him but that he was also committed to us. Among our discussions was becoming a leader and working hard, which he did during the offseason. Some saw the videos he posted, he was trying to improve his body. He trained like never before since joining the Lakers. He has accepted this leadership role and I think the franchise is investing in him, like this summer, and he will also do it in return. It’s his character and we’re delighted to see that. »
A summer to put an end to the sores
The problem with Anthony Davis is obviously not his level of play. He showed it during the absence of LeBron James in the regular season, then during the playoffs: in good shape, he is clearly one of the best players in the league, on both sides of the field. Except that it must always be specified “in good shape” because, fragile, it is not always in good shape. The proof: he has only played 132 matches over the last three years.
With such an important extension ($62 million per season), the Lakers absolutely want to see the former Pelicans on the floor as much as possible. As LeBron James will undoubtedly be saved and the new rules require two stars not to be rested in the same meeting, Anthony Davis should logically be more present on the pitch. If he’s not hurt…
“The training he did this summer allowed him to protect his body,” notes Darvin Ham. “He came back leaner, stronger, faster, more explosive. People forget that, for a player in his position, he is only 30 years old. So he still has a huge way to go to lead this franchise and win other banners. With the summer he had, I can’t wait to see the season he will have for us. »
| Anthony Davis | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2012-13 | NOP | 64 | 29 | 51.6 | 0.0 | 75.1 | 2.6 | 5.6 | 8.2 | 1.0 | 2.5 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 13.5 |
| 2013-14 | NOP | 67 | 35 | 51.9 | 22.2 | 79.1 | 3.1 | 7.0 | 10.0 | 1.6 | 3.0 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 2.8 | 20.8 |
| 2014-15 | NOP | 68 | 36 | 53.5 | 8.3 | 80.5 | 2.5 | 7.7 | 10.2 | 2.2 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 2.9 | 24.4 |
| 2015-16 | NOP | 61 | 36 | 49.3 | 32.4 | 75.8 | 2.1 | 8.2 | 10.3 | 1.9 | 2.4 | 1.3 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 24.3 |
| 2016-17 | NOP | 75 | 36 | 50.5 | 29.9 | 80.2 | 2.3 | 9.5 | 11.8 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 1.3 | 2.4 | 2.2 | 28.0 |
| 2017-18 | NOP | 75 | 36 | 53.4 | 34.0 | 82.8 | 2.5 | 8.6 | 11.1 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 2.6 | 28.1 |
| 2018-19 | NOP | 56 | 33 | 51.7 | 33.1 | 79.4 | 3.1 | 8.9 | 12.0 | 3.9 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 2.4 | 25.9 |
| 2019-20 | LAL | 62 | 34 | 50.3 | 33.0 | 84.6 | 2.3 | 7.0 | 9.3 | 3.2 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 2.3 | 26.1 |
| 2020-21 | LAL | 36 | 32 | 49.1 | 26.0 | 73.8 | 1.7 | 6.2 | 7.9 | 3.1 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 1.6 | 21.8 |
| 2021-22 | LAL | 40 | 35 | 53.2 | 18.6 | 71.3 | 2.7 | 7.2 | 9.9 | 3.1 | 2.4 | 1.2 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 23.2 |
| 2022-23 | LAL | 56 | 34 | 56.3 | 25.7 | 78.4 | 3.5 | 9.1 | 12.5 | 2.6 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 25.9 |
| Total | 660 | 34 | 51.9 | 30.0 | 79.3 | 2.6 | 7.8 | 10.4 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 1.3 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 24.0 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
