Why The Lakers Should Re-Sign Ed Davis

By Chris Walton | Feb 10, 2015

Dec 30, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Ed Davis (21) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Lakers won 111-103. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Ed Davis may have very well been an absolute steal for the Los Angeles Lakers. When gauging his potential and the money he is making this season, it’s a mystery as to how the team was able to acquire him. The 25-year old turned down a $20 million extension with the Memphis Grizzlies, partly due to limited opportunities.

Playing behind Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol placed him on the outside of the rotation.

More from Los Angeles Lakers

Davis is currently playing on a two-year deal at $2 million, and his second year is a player option. With many teams lacking young frontcourt talent like Davis, you can expect the demand for his services to be higher than last summer. The biggest question lies in the Lakers decision to have Davis as a piece of their future, using some of the big cap space that they have this summer.

So what’s the need for Ed Davis if the frontcourt seems to be solidified in Los Angeles? Julius Randle is clearly the power forward of the future, and Ryan Kelly is an organization favorite. What Davis brings to the team is versatility. To quote Jalen Rose, positions were created for a novice to follow the game.

There’s definitely room for Davis to slide his way to center, allowing a combination of athletes in lineups. Randle brings the explosion and skill while Davis compliments him with insane length and athletic prowess.

The Lakers have finally been able to provided Davis with sufficient time on the floor, after he was wedged for playing time with the Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies. Davis has had 24 starts (24.1 minutes per game) this season, the second-most in his career.

In those performances, he is shooting a blistering 57.9 percent from the field with 96 percent of his shots coming from within 10 feet of the basket. Davis is easily the Lakers most active interior player.

The defensive and offensive end is owned by Davis’ ability to rebound and block shots. He leads the team in that category (1.2 blocks per game) and is averaging just less than eight rebounds per game. According to basketballreference.com, Davis is pulling down 10.9 rebounds per 36 minutes. He even posted a career-high 20 rebound game vs. the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.

Davis is ranked the league’s top 10 in offensive rebounding with a total of 149. Efforts as such are indicative of Davis’ motor and effort. Despite the Lakers misfortune, Davis remains a bright spot for the team. He brings great energy on and off the court, and has proven his worth during his short time in Los Angeles.

What bodes well for the Lakers is that Davis is more than willing to return to the team at the right price. According to Mark Medina of The Los Angeles Daily News, Davis will have the Lakers at the top of his list upon his opt-out:

“I’m hoping for a long-term deal,” said Davis, who has until June 25th to make his final decision regarding his option. “I’d love to return here [Los Angeles]. I know this will turn around eventually.”

Right now he will continue to soak up minutes in the absence of Jordan Hill, who is suffering from a hip injury. This time will be an audition in front of the Lakers front office, and potential teams like the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks, franchises with cap space to come next year.

As it stands now, the Lakers have first dibs, and they must decide with haste if they will give Davis a chance as he has done for them.

Next: 50 Greatest NBA Players Without a Championship

More from Hoops Habit

Home/Los Angeles Lakers