The dream starting 5 for the Lakers 5 years from now

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 19: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden on November 19, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 19: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden on November 19, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
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Anthony Davis Lakers
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers’ dream C in 2028: Anthony Davis

Let’s make one thing clear: the Los Angeles Lakers are not going to be able to pay Anthony Davis. This dream team would have two max guys under contract and would likely be paying a pretty penny to Austin Reaves.

It is definitely possible for the Lakers to pull those things off. What isn’t possible is also signing Davis to a huge contract in the 2028 summer. That would send the Lakers well over the luxury tax apron, if not make it impossible to bring in Booker.

The best thing is that Davis isn’t going to warrant a huge contract at this point in time. The record-setting extension he just signed is probably going to be the last big payday of his career. That extension runs through the 2027-28 season. Davis will be 35 and a half in the summer of 2028.

At that point in time, Davis is going to be in ring-chasing mode. He is no longer going to be an All-NBA guy and is going to be limited in what he can do. Not everyone can be LeBron James and be an MVP candidate at 35.

Instead, Davis can take a similar path as Tim Duncan. He can play more of a team role, playing tough defense when the Lakers need it and getting an easy 15 and seven a night. That is all this Lakers team would need.