Lakers Season In Review: Anthony Davis

Editor’s Note: Welcome to our “2020 Lakers Season In Review” series, where we’ll be looking back at every member of this Lakers roster as the offseason commences, and answering some questions about what they contributed (or didn’t) to the team’s 17th championship, as well as discussing what their situation is moving forward. Today, let’s discuss Anthony Davis.

How did he play?

Well. Really well. Like, historically well.

The Lakers saw early returns on their investment in Anthony Davis in the regular season, but his stock hit an all-time high in the postseason. Through 21 games, Davis averaged 27.7 points on 60.9% shooting from 2-point range and 38.3% shooting from behind the arc.

According to Basketball Reference, only three others player in NBA history have averaged 25 points per game on at least 60% shooting from 2-point range and 35% shooting from 3-point range on at least 50 attempts in the postseason: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Kevin Durant. However, only Davis has posted those shooting percentages with an effective field goal percentage greater than 60%.

Davis is also the only player in NBA history to record at least 500 points — including 20 3-pointers — 200 rebounds, 30 blocks and 20 steals in a single postseason run. To say he did “a little bit of everything” would be an understatement because, well, he did a lot.

More than that, though, he had the types of performances in the postseason that separate good players from legends of the game, with the most notable being his game-winner against the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

If you didn’t know before, you should know that Davis is “like that.”

What is his contract situation moving forward?

Davis has a $28.75 million player option in his contract that he can exercise, but he’s expected to opt out of his current contract and re-sign with the Lakers once free agency opens on Nov. 20.

Will he be back?

Barring a last-minute change of heart from Davis or a total misreading of the market from the Lakers, yes: all signs point to Davis coming back next season, which is good because he’s good! The only question that still needs to be answered is how long Davis’ next contract will be.

It’s probably going to be a three-year contract with a player option in the third year so that he can sign a 35% max contract in 2023 and have some flexibility in the event that James leaves the Lakers, but we just don’t know yet. Only one thing is for certain after this past season: Davis has a home in Los Angeles as long as he wants it.

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