• Anthony Davis’ new contract extension has been questioned by Stephen A. Smith
• Smith doesn’t think AD deserves the extension, given his unavailability over his Lakers’ tenure
• Davis signed a three-year, $186 million extension that takes his contract through to 2028
The 2023 offseason has seen some big money handed out, with Jaylen Brown signing the first $300 million contract in league history being the main talking point. However, Anthony Davis signed a contract for more money annually soon after, extending for three years, $186 million with the Lakers.
Stephen A. Smith doesn’t think AD deserves the extension the Lakers gave him.
“I love AD… Love him as a person and a player. $62 million, though? His talent is worth it, but his consistency isn’t. He’ll show up one day and not show up the next day. He’ll drop 40 in Game 1, 11 in Game 2. I’d much rather have you average 28 night-in night-out rather than each and every night, it’s a damn rollercoaster. You had Charles Barkley calling him street clothes. I never called him that, I call him Six Flags because it’s a rollercoaster ride. He’s up and down. I’ve got mad respect for his game. I know he’s one of the elite players in this game today, but the consistency is not there.”
Stephen A. believes Anthony Davis isn’t deserving of his newly signed contract
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/nhyZ9ltV51
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) August 15, 2023
Davis averaged 25.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks last season but saw his scoring numbers drop to 22.6 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks in the Playoffs.
He was an absolute defensive wall during the postseason, so the Lakers clearly got value from him even in games where he couldn’t make a basket to save his life.
The Lakers Need To Become Anthony Davis’ Team
The Lakers showed during the postseason that they’re moving away from LeBron James having to run the team as its primary offensive option. Just like in 2019-20, it seems the Lakers will start highlighting AD more as they did in the playoffs. The problem comes with AD’s inconsistent on-court performances and questionable availability.
If AD can remain healthy, the Lakers will be AD’s team. LeBron is waiting to take a step back and concede touches to the likes of Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell in the playoffs. While they need to do that as well, it’s time AD becomes the monster we saw in New Orleans and dominates every facet of the court with a co-star as elite as LeBron James.
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