- Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis secures a historic three-year, $186 million contract extension
- The contract is set to be the NBA’s richest annual deal ever
- The extension solidifies Davis’ role alongside LeBron James, celebrating their past championship win and future ambitions
Los Angeles Lakers star forward, Anthony Davis, has agreed on a groundbreaking contract extension that solidifies his commitment to the team for the foreseeable future. The three-year deal, valued at a staggering $186 million, makes Davis the recipient of the most lucrative annual contract extension in the history of the NBA. This landmark agreement, which will see Davis remain with the Lakers through 2028, underscores his pivotal role in the franchise’s ongoing success.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul shared the news of the contract extension in an interview with ESPN. The new deal offers Davis a significant increase in financial compensation, with an average yearly salary of $62 million. This unprecedented figure mirrors his impact on the court and cements his position as one of the most valuable players in the league.
Davis, who was left with two years and $84 million on his existing contract, became eligible to sign the extension on a critical day. Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka and Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, moved swiftly to finalize the agreement, highlighting the mutual eagerness to solidify their commitment to one another.
Anthony Davis has signed a contract extension with Los Angeles Lakers marking the richest annual extension in NBA history. | PHOTO: NBA |
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Teamed up with basketball icon LeBron James, Anthony Davis has been a cornerstone of the Lakers’ roster, propelling the team to the Western Conference finals in the previous season. His contributions have been nothing short of exceptional, with averages of 26 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. Demonstrating remarkable efficiency, Davis achieved a career-best field goal percentage of 56% during the last season.
Beyond his recent accomplishments, Davis boasts an impressive track record of performance. A four-time All-NBA first-team player, he has achieved a season average of 25 points and two blocks on five occasions, an achievement surpassed only by basketball legends Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, according to data from ESPN Stats & Information research.
During the 2023 playoffs, Davis etched his name in Lakers’ history by becoming the third player in the team’s illustrious legacy to secure 50 blocks in a single postseason, placing him alongside the likes of O’Neal and Abdul-Jabbar.
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Anthony Davis initially joined the Lakers in a high-profile trade with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019. Alongside LeBron James, he played a pivotal role in clinching the 2020 NBA championship for the Lakers, bringing unparalleled glory to the franchise.
With both Davis and James signing extensions following their championship victory, the Lakers were poised for a continued era of success. However, Davis’ new contract opens a new chapter, extending beyond the current commitment of LeBron James. Although James, now entering his 21st season, maintains a player option for the 2024-2025 season, Davis’ contract represents a bridge to the future.
In a sign of their determination to further enhance their roster, the Lakers have been active in the free-agent market this summer. The signings of Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent on deals running through 2025 reflect the team’s strategic approach to nurturing talent and securing its future competitiveness.
Rob Pelinka, Lakers’ General Manager, emphasized the team’s admiration for Anthony Davis, both as a player and as a vital component of their championship-winning journey. Pelinka praised Davis’ leadership and role in delivering a championship to the franchise, underlining his significant impact on and off the court.
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