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Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Davis’ contract shouldn’t worry you

By Jason Reed

EL SEGUNDO, CA - JULY 13: Anthony Davis (C) is introduced as the newest player of the Los Angeles Lakers during a press conference with general manager Rob Pelinka (L) and head coach Frank Vogel (R) at UCLA Health Training Center on July 13, 2019 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - JULY 13: Anthony Davis (C) is introduced as the newest player of the Los Angeles Lakers during a press conference with general manager Rob Pelinka (L) and head coach Frank Vogel (R) at UCLA Health Training Center on July 13, 2019 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Anthony Davis hasn’t played one minute with the Los Angeles Lakers yet there are still worries about his contract that is set to expire after 2019.

The Los Angeles Lakers made the first massive move of the offseason by trading Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and draft picks to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Anthony Davis.

At the time, that appeared to be the biggest move of the entire offseason with there needing to be another massive move to trump it. That kind of did happen with the newly-formed duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George as well as Russell Westbrook being traded to the Houston Rockets.

The NBA is more balanced than it has been in years but Laker fans have to like their chances with their superstar duo of LeBron and Davis. LeBron is still one of the five best players in the league at worst — just look at the numbers he put up last year.

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He might not be in his prime, but he is still one of the very best in the league. Davis is also in that top-five discussion when he is healthy and has the skillset to be the best player in the league for several years.

And while most fans are definitely excited, there are those that are worried about Davis’ contract, which is set to expire after this season. If this does not work out in year one and Davis just leaves then all the team would have left would be an aging LeBron James.

That does not sound like the best title-contending situation but that does not mean that you should worry about Davis’ contract.

First and foremost, Davis obviously showed interest in the Lakers as he had all the leverage in the trade. All he had to do was inform a potential new suitor that he undoubtedly would not re-sign after one season and they would be out of the mix.

That is why the trade market for Davis really was not all that special and why the Pelicans jumped on this new offer from the Lakers.

So he obviously had interest in the Los Angeles Lakers. Davis has repeatedly cited his legacy as the reason for the move but it certainly helps when his new teammate is also represented (and really good friends with) Klutch Sports Group’s LeBron James.

That does not guarantee that he will re-sign, although there are tow potential paths if this does not work well in year one. First, he could realize he does not want to play with LeBron and sign elsewhere. Second, he could see that the team is good enough to win it all and re-sign.

The former is obviously the one Laker fans are worried about even though it might not be. The Lakers would be the only legitimate title-contender with cap space next summer to give him the contract he wants while also building the legacy.

Let’s say the worst-case scenario happens and he does walk away. It certainly would suck but it would not be the end of the worth. There are other options and Brandon Ingram is a restricted free agent, meaning the Lakers might have lost him after this year anyway.

Plus, Lonzo Ball only has one more year than Ingram before becoming a restricted free agent. It is not like the team is trading 10 years of guaranteed success from the young guys for Davis.

He might not be a Laker forever but it is very hard to see him walking away from LeBron James after all of the hoopla that went into this trade. He can sign for another two years to get him up to 10 years service time to qualify for the top max.

Next. Examing LeBron's complicated legacy. dark

That is exactly what Kawhi Leonard did with the Clippers and definitely is in play for Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers.

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