Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul informed ESPN on Friday that Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis has agreed to a three-year, $186 million maximum contract deal, committing him to the organisation until 2028 for a total of $270 million.
Davis’ contract is the biggest yearly contract extension in NBA history, averaging $62 million each season.
Davis, who had two years and $84 million remaining on his contract, became eligible to sign the three-year extension on Friday, and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and Paul worked fast to finalise a deal.
Davis, along with LeBron James, remains a key member of a team that reached the Western Conference finals last season. Last season, he averaged 26 points, 12.5 points, and two blocks while shooting a career-high 56%.
Davis, a four-time All-NBA first-team selection, has averaged 25 points and two blocks in a season five times, ranking third only to Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
During the 2023 playoffs, Davis became the third Lakers player with 50 blocks in a single postseason, after only O’Neal and Abdul-Jabbar.
Davis, 30, joined in a blockbuster 2019 deal with the New Orleans Pelicans and, together with James, helped the Lakers win the NBA title in 2020.
Davis and James’ contracts were running simultaneously after both signed new contracts in the aftermath of the 2020 championship.
Davis’ new contract, on the other hand, extends beyond James’ present commitment to the organisation. James, who is starting his 21st season, has a player option for the 2024-2025 season.
Already this summer, the Lakers inked free agency agreements with Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent that will last until 2025.
“Couldn’t think more highly of Anthony Davis as a Laker and as a player,” Pelinka recently remarked. “He was instrumental in our franchise winning a championship.” He’s been a fantastic captain and leader.”
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