The Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar is in place for the future
The Lakers are the best franchise in NBA history. With their championship pedigree and being in sunny California in a big market, it’s a dream situation. A lot of players would love to have the opportunity to do what AD is doing.
The Lakers actually get a good deal here. AD could’ve held out and did a 1+1 or 2+1 deal and repeat this free agency cycle. Once he gets to year 10 he could demand up to 35% of the cap and get a much heftier deal.
But AD has championship goals. One ring is not going to be the end for him and he made that clear by taking this deal instead of the others. Uncertain futures can take a huge toll on franchises, we’ve seen it with the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors in the past.
The Lakers are the front runners for the 2021 NBA championship and they got even better this offseason. Now with their two stars locked in, they can see how guys play around them. Then decide going forward who would be good to stick long-term with an extension.