Anthony Davis’ impending free agency has been a major talking point in Los Angeles. Despite his request to play for the Lakers, he has yet to make any kind of long-term commitment to the franchise, and it has shrouded his future in mystery.
And now, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, every team (including the Lakers) ar having to cope with the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. There are concerns about whether or not they could even afford to keep AD around.
But in a report by Brian Windhorst of ESPN, he explained why the team won’t have much trouble re-signing Davis is he decides to stay this summer.
The Lakers, however, still likely will have no issues in re-signing star Anthony Davis, as their local television deal brings them around $200 million annually, sources said. Added with their national television share, the Lakers could bring in more than $300 million if they don’t sell a single ticket.
The Lakers are fortunate enough to reside in one of America’s most high-profile destinations. Their team is highly marketable and, thus, is able to cover itself financially.
Few other teams in the NBA are in a similar position.
As for Davis, the consensus is that he will re-sign with L.A. And, at this point, it’s more a matter of “when” than “if.” With Davis and LeBron back at it again next season (and likely the next few to come) there’s no telling what kind of fortunes they’ll rake in both on and off the court.
Either way, the Lakers are the Lakers and they’ll be just fine.
