Anthony Davis was still drenched and feeling the buzz of championship champagne when the Los Angeles Lakers star big man was asked about his future and possibly his free agency. “I have no idea,” Davis stated. ”I do not know. ”
After racking up 19 points and 15 rebounds and anchoring a suffocating defensive performance in the Lakers 106-93 Finals victory, Davis was asked about his first campaign with the Lakers and clarified what having no idea means in what concerns his decision in free agency.
Davis, 27, can opt out of his contract and become a free agent.
“I had a really good time in Los Angeles this first year,” Davis said. “It was only joy, nothing but amazement. Over the next couple of months, we’ll find out. I mean, I’m not 100% sure, but that’s why my agent [Rich Paul] is who he is and we’ll discuss it and find out. ”
It’s hard to imagine Davis not coming back to defend the Lakers title alongside LeBron James. The star pair worked perfectly together. But Davis is expected to withdraw from his $ 28.8 million contract for 2020-21.
Davis could receive $ 32.7 million next campaign if the salary cap remains at $ 109.1 million, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Davis was everything the Lakers envisioned when they traded Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and three first-round picks in New Orleans for the All-Star. He took home All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team honors and concluded second in Defensive Player of the Year votes.
But nothing compared to what Davis won on Sunday night – his first NBA championship. His impact at both ends was undeniable. The Lakers pitched Alex Caruso instead of Dwight Howard for Davis to start in the middle and the rout started in Game 5.
When Davis was the Lakers’ only big in the NBA Finals, they outscored the Heat by 61 points, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
And according to the Elias Sports Bureau, Davis is only the third player to average 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Finals-winning team and not win the Final MVP, which went to James.
Davis, however, was overcome with emotion once he sank into winning his first title. With less than a minute to go, Davis had to move away from the bench, towards an exit in front of a large mural of the Larry O’Brien trophy.
James joined him and gave him a hug while giving him ribs.
“I was just moved,” Davis said. “In fact, when I got out of the game, I started to feel it. About 25 seconds left, that feeling has turned into reality. I was 25 seconds away from becoming champion. I got emotional. This is the type of trip that I have been on, my team has been, the organization has been on – everything has come full circle with this championship.
“It’s just part of your heritage, to say you’re a champion,” Davis said. “Not everyone can say that. I wanted to do the same in New Orleans. I was there for seven years. You want to go out there and compete for a championship every time you walk on the ground. second turn. We thought we had a chance before DeMarcus [Cousins] was injured. ”
“When I got traded that’s all I wanted was to be a champion,” added Davis. “To be able to compete, to be able to win. I was able to do this my first year with the Lakers."
