In a major off-season deal, Lakers star player Anthony Davis signed a lucrative 3-year contract extension worth a staggering $186 million. That makes it around $82M in salary per year, which is so far a record-breaking salary in the NBA. From the deal, it is clear the team is looking for long-term relations with him. He’s going to be the one who is going to step up once LeBron James decides to step aside.

Fox analyst Chris Broussard and a former NFL and Lakers fan, Ephraim Salaam, recently discussed the implications of the deal. They also discuss whether, moving forward with the team, will he join the Lakers’ legendary list. 

The unprecedented contract extension makes him the Lakers’ top player 

This deal cements Davis’ position as one of the highest-paid players in NBA history. The Lakers have a winning tradition throughout NBA history. Davis’ stay shows the management’s trust in his abilities. It solidifies his place in the Lakers franchise.

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The incentive is to make him the focal point of the team when LeBron James eventually steps aside. The 3-year commitment is a long one, and that is enough time for Davis to carve out a name for himself among the Lakers greats. 

Anthony Davis has the potential to be great, he must step up

The Lakers are confident in him to become the face of the franchise for years to come. Davis is an 8-time NBA All-Star and has time and again proven himself as one of the league’s demanding players. On the court, he has affected the game on both ends. 

With a career average of 24.0 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, he has given stellar performances. In the last season, he averaged an impressive 25.9 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. Once LeBron departs, the team will be firmly in Davis’ hands. Chris Broussard, the Fox analyst, highlights this shift by saying, “So when LeBron is gone, it’s going to be a D’s (Davis’) team.”

There is only one goal, according to the other speaker, Ehpraine Salaan, i.e. “winning championships”. The Lakers have 17 NBA championships to their name. Magic, Kobe, Shaq, Kareem, and all the players have been instrumental in leading them to glory. If Davis wants to be mentioned in the same breath as these Lakers greats, easier said than done, he simply has to win the championship. 

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