NBA: 3 teams that should pursue Anthony Davis in free agency

Los Angeles Lakers

The last time the Los Angeles Lakers made the postseason, Anthony Davis was a 19-year-old rookie playing for the now nonexistent New Orleans Hornets. His trade to the Lakers this past summer helped elevate them to arguably the title favorites in the league and clinched their first postseason berth since 2013.

Davis led the Lakers in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks per game, and paired alongside LeBron James, undoubtedly formed the NBA’s best tandem. If the Lakers were to lose Davis in free agency, they would suffer a significant blow and take a step back in their quest for a championship.

At 27-years-old, Davis has a long career ahead of him, and although the Lakers seem like the best option for that in terms of success, Davis could leave if they do not go all-in on him. As expected, the Lakers offered Davis a four-year, $146 million maximum contract extension in January on the first day he was eligible. However, he turned it down in favor of the much more lucrative deal worth upwards of $200 million he can sign in July of this year.

The Lakers do hold the upper hand over any other team attempting to pursue Davis this offseason as they can offer him significantly more money and a better opportunity to win. As long as LeBron James is playing, whatever team he is on will be a top-tier contender, and if Davis wants to win, he is in an excellent position to do so on this team.

The Davis trade from the New Orleans Pelicans started a new era in Los Angeles this offseason, and it would be detrimental if it only lasted a single year. The Lakers went all-in to acquire Davis is in the first place, and would only make sense if they did the same to retain him.