NBA Insider Reveals the Bigger Picture Behind Anthony Davis’ Lakers Signing Involving LeBron James & Giannis Antetokounmpo

Published 12/01/2020, 12:15 AM EST

It’s been around 10 days since free agency started, but Lakers‘ superstar, Anthony Davis, still hasn’t signed a brand new contract with the franchise. Is there a reason for the purple and gold fans to panic? Not really. Davis has won his first-ever championship with the Lakers, and it’s unlikely he will walk out so soon.

The Lakers fall into the elite category of teams, who, no matter what, are always expected to be title contenders. Despite their consistent failure in the postseason for a decade, something about LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ partnership gave them hope.

Needless to say, they lived up to all the hype surrounding them. Davis turned out to be the perfect right-hand man to LeBron on the court, and their off-court chemistry makes it even better.

Article continues below this ad

The way the Lakers have moved pieces around this offseason, it looks like they are well prepared to go for a repeat. So, why is it that their star player, Anthony Davis, is hesitating in re-signing with them?

Is Giannis’ deal a deciding factor for Anthony Davis?

According to Brian Windhorst, Davis and Bucks‘ Giannis Antetokounmpo are the biggest storylines of this offseason. He said, “Anthony Davis has not signed his contract yet and training camp starts tomorrow. This has led people in the league to wonder if he is waiting to see what Giannis does with his contract.

“The Lakers only have two contracts on their books for next year at just 15 million. Because LeBron James has an opt-out clause in his contract. And if Anthony Davis builds his new contract with an opt-out clause, they could have anything on the table. They could go chasing after free-agents, whether it’s Giannis or not.”

Article continues below this ad

However, Marc Stein posted, “Anthony Davis, who remains unsigned but is widely expected to soon finalize a max deal with the Lakers at the contract length of his choosing, is expected to meet with team officials as early as Tuesday, league sources say.”

Anthony Davis, who remains unsigned but is widely expected to soon finalize a max deal with the Lakers at the contract length of his choosing, is expected to meet with team officials as early as Tuesday, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 1, 2020

Article continues below this ad

Davis shouldn’t wait long to sign with the Lakers, so he gets the best deal possible. Giannis is the one player every team in the league is bloodthirsty for. But is adding Giannis to a team with two huge superstars a good decision? Won’t he thrive more on a team that builds the entire roster around him?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Yashima Bhatia is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports who specialises in providing nuanced predictions and updates for matches. She has a Bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication. Yashima's love for playing the game came up at a young age, when the excitement of the games coupled with the intensity of the Playoffs had her hooked.

NBA Insider Reveals the Bigger Picture Behind Anthony Davis’ Lakers Signing Involving LeBron James & Giannis Antetokounmpo

Is Giannis’ deal a deciding factor for Anthony Davis?

Trending

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

Why Did the Washington Mystics Pass on Angel Reese? Insider Spills the Beans on Chicago Sky Star’s #6 Pick Snub

Even After Damian Lillard’s “Personal Issues” Admission, Charles Barkley Delivers Gut Punch to Giannis-Less Bucks

“Do White Girls Get Silk Presses?”: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s WNBA Draft Attires Get Judged by Notable Columnist

“Sh*tlock”: NBA Champion Stephen Jackson Blasts Controversial Reporter Jason Whitlock Over Dawn Staley Remarks