USA Today via Reuters
Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) reacts after being injured during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in game 4 of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) reacts after being injured during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in game 4 of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers enjoyed a rather fortunate run in the NBA Playoffs 2020, where they had nobody injured and the marquee players delivered. However, it seems like they’re facing a blow ahead of the NBA off-season. A piece of news has left the fans believing that Anthony Davis is ready to leave their nest.
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A source of Yahoo Sports has suggested that the 27-YO has declined the $28.7 million player option with the Lakers. This is a complete shocker because the NBA pundits were almost sure that he will not move out of his new home this quickly.
Yahoo Sources: Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis is officially declining his $28.7 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 16, 2020
This update has pinched and panicked the Lakers fans
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Anthony Davis was the point leader for the Lakers during their successful playoff run. Many NBA analysts argued that he is the best support LeBron James ever had, even better than Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade.
AD is efficient on both ends of the court. His defense was good enough to land him next to Giannis Antetokounmpo in the DPOY 2020 run. Moreso, he acted as the perfect leader on the floor whenever Bron was not around.
The Lakers are certainly counting on him in this upcoming season, where The Akron Hammer will potentially play fewer minutes to keep his fitness intact. News like this can definitely send tremors in the LA-based organization’s front office.
But wait, there is more to this update…
This does not mean Anthony Davis is leaving the Lakers
The Lakers gave away Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart to sign Anthony Davis in 2019. It was a feather in his hat for Rob Pelinka to have attracted a talent as good to the Lakers right on time. So they will not let AD fly away just like that.
Also, one must remember that speculations were strong that Anthony would decline his player option to work out a better deal. In his free agency, AD can negotiate a 1+1, a 2+1, or a longer 4-year max deal with the Lakers to ensure financial security as he is soon approaching his 30s.
The free agency will officially kick off on Friday after the transaction moratorium gets lifted on Monday. It will not take more than a week for the things to reach clarity because the training camps are anyway beginning on December 1.
So what do you think? Was this a good or a not-so-good for the Lakers? Help us know your views in the comments section.
