Lakers Plans For Anthony Davis's Future Come Into View

Trade talk for Anthony Davis? Let's be clear: the Los Angeles Lakers have had an impressive offseason, and following a very good trade deadline back in February, are poised to enter the 2023-24 season very strong. 

As for the future, no one knows yet what the long term holds for LeBron James, but the Lakers are reportedly at least ensuring that the other half of their superstar duo remains in Purple & Gold, as Anthony Davis is expected to sign an extension before training camp. 

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said on The Lowe Post podcast that any trade talk is "folly" and that a deal will get done. 

I am not too concerned about how this thing plays out, whether it’s the max amount of years or max amount of dollars are reached, that remains to be seen... But where things stand right now, I expect some sort of an agreement to be reached. 

A lot of it is, (1), recognizing that Anthony Davis as a trade chip, there’s no way to replicate the value of what he brings to the court combined with LeBron James when he’s healthy, you just won’t. It’s absolutely impossible. (And 2), You also recognize that LeBron, turning 39 years old and entering Year 21, has a limited window, so then to try to coalesce with a new group if you were to find this beautiful trade for Anthony Davis, that’s folly, you could be wasting what’s left of LeBron. 

As of Aug. 4th, AD would be eligible for a three-year extension worth up to $167.6M from the Lakers. He currently has two seasons remaining on his current deal in which he's owed almost $84M. 

Last season, Davis averaged 25.9 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal as the only Lakers with a 25p/10r/2b season.

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