Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking down Anthony Davis contract extension

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 02: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with Anthony Davis #3 during the second half against the Miami Heat in Game Two of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 02, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

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Guaranteed money in uncertain times

Davis gets $190 million as soon as he signs those papers. Regardless of how he plays or if he gets injured his future is set. Any other year this deal may be tossed to the side but the world is in a pandemic and Davis and Rich Paul weren’t risking it.

COVID-19 has thrown wrenches into a lot of things. Sports could be shut down at any time due to cases exploding and it’s not something to take lightly. Bypassing the opportunity at this extension to take a smaller one wasn’t worth the risk.

It’s easy for outsiders to look at it and say “well he is giving up millions by not taking the 2+1.” But the fact of the matter is, outsiders are not Davis.

He has himself and family to look after. He gets to play five years at $190 million or four years for $149 million and enter free agency again when things are normal in his prime at age 31.

The deal helps him and the deal helps the Lakers. Winning championships is the common goal for both sides.

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