Lakers: Analyzing Anthony Davis’ four choices on contract extension

3. Three years $106 million

This deal is the most logical for Davis if he is thinking of maximizing the most money possible. It also aligns him with what LeBron is doing. LeBron has a $41 million option for 2021-22, which he would most certainly opt into if this was the plan going forward.

James isn’t going anywhere regardless, he’s one of the highest-paid athletes of all-time. His goal is to win championships. So he is certainly well aware of the Giannis chatter as well. But that case really is only available if Davis takes the 1+1.

This essentially becomes a 2+1 now and wipes out all cap space for next offseason. But Davis can get over $35 million a year and the kicker here is he opts out after 2021-22. That sets him up for the supermax extension which is 35% of the cap, for being a 10-year player.

If he signed before 10 years it would be a max extension at 30% of the cap. So there is an incentive to go this route. If he gets hurt at all, he can opt into the third year and be guaranteed a total of $106 million. If all goes well he will see a heavy extension in 2022.

This is the most logical of the four if Giannis is out of the question.