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LOS ANGELES – Anthony Davis said he signed the longest possible contract to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers – making a five-year, $ 190 million pact on Thursday – in part as an insurance policy if he sustained a career-threatening injury. .
“It could have been a two-year, three-year deal,” Davis told reporters on a conference call Friday. “[But] I also have to think about the reality of things. I have a bit of a history with the injuries, and a two year contract, you kind of bet on yourself. … God forbid, touch wood, something’s going on. “
Davis played 62 of the Lakers’ 71 games last season, suffering from shoulder and tailbone injuries. He played all 21 Lakers’ postseason games en route to the championship, but revealed to ESPN after the decisive Game 6 of the NBA Finals that he suffered an ankle injury that took hours. treatment before the game.
In the first seven years of his career with the New Orleans Pelicans franchise, Davis played just 466 out of a possible 574 games.
“I want to gain as many years as possible and be here for the long haul with this team, so I thought the five-year deal was the best for me in my situation,” Davis said.
While the contract gives Davis security, it could also be seen as a wise business decision.
Davis, 27, has a player option in the final year of his contract, the 2024-25 season. If he does not take up the option and return to free agency at the age of 31, he will be eligible to sign another maximum five-year extension and avoid the “over 38 rule” that bars players. to sign long-term contracts that extend beyond their 38th birthday, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Davis could have made more money for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons had he signed a two-year extension with the Lakers this offseason and returned to free agency as a 10-year veteran in 2022, but the difference between that storyline versus what it’s guaranteed with his new deal would have been $ 4.7 million, according to Marks.
By sacrificing that $ 4.7 million, Davis secured about $ 90 million more in guaranteed money as an insurance policy (compared to signing a two plus one deal this offseason, which would have guaranteed at around $ 100 million), and this will allow him to return to free agency when, theoretically, the salary cap has increased after the decrease in income affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Davis’ deal was the culmination of an important week for the Lakers franchise, which also culminated in a two-year, $ 85 million extension deal with LeBron James on Wednesday.
“I think it was just a great moment of confidence,” Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka told ESPN when asked to reflect on the two deals. . “I think when hard work recognizes hard work, that’s where trust sets in. And that’s what we’ve really tried to be as a front office and as a coaching staff. , is that we just want our players to know that we are doing everything. we can help them win and help them become better people and have all their needs met.
“And when players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis return that confidence with long-term commitments, it’s just a nod to the work they’ve done as players and we’ve put into action. C t was just a really, really exciting day for Lakers fans to know that our two pillars and our two leaders are here for years to come. “
Davis also shared his appreciation for James, who will turn 38 and complete his 20th season when his new contract expires.
“I’m excited for him. It’s a hell of a deal to get – and I told him – to get that type of money before your 18th year, that just doesn’t happen,” Davis said. “That doesn’t happen, especially at his age, so it’s a testament to all the hard work he’s done year after year, taking care of his body. And to be able to see the benefits. And then being able to make him play continuously like that and be able to put the team in situations to compete for championships, I’m just happy that I can be by that side for three more years, because I’m not sure if we’re going to be done or not after that. “
In the pursuit of these championships, there might be other materials to have along the way. Lakers veteran Jared Dudley told reporters he “expected AD to be the MVP.”
Lakers coach Frank Vogel took it a step further, telling ESPN on Friday: “I really think he will have an MVP trophy when all is said and done. I think these things are rewards and as long as you get focus on the process and winning. along the way and being the best player you can be, that stuff comes after the fact. But, look, Anthony Davis is one of the best players in the world, and I think when his career is said and over, you’re probably going to look at a guy who’s won not just one MVP but probably multiple MVPs. “
Davis, however, was cautious when asked about Dudley’s statement. He’s not set to qualify for the 2020-21 season of his personal MVP campaign.
“It’s really hard for me to set goals as an MVP or [Defensive Player of the Year]”Said Davis.” I just let it happen. I just like to let these things fall into place. If I go out there and play like I’m supposed to and live up to my potential, then these things happen. But one goal is to win another championship. I want to be the anchor of our defense.
“My goal is to be on the ground as much as possible and not hurt myself. So it’s a few things that I like to set goals for. I don’t like to do the MVP, DPOY thing. , it does come, but it’s more important to stay on the pitch with my injury history, that’s the kind of thing that I set goals for myself and do whatever I can to help the team win. “
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