Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Anthony Davis And Questions If He’s Worth Max Extension

Stephen A. Smith doesn't think Anthony Davis is worth the big-money contract extension he signed.

3 Min Read

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

• 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.”

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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Ishaan Bhattacharya is a content manager for Fadeaway World from New Delhi, India. With his expertise in NBA content creation, Ishaan brings a wealth of experience to his role, contributing to the site's authority and reach within the basketball community. Over the last year, Ishaan has interviewed Ray Allen and Mark Tatum, while also covering the 2023 NBA Abu Dhabi Games which saw the Dallas Mavericks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.Since joining Fadeaway World in March 2022, Ishaan Bhattacharya has become known for his unique perspective on the NBA. He consistently delivers this insight through his daily news coverage and detailed opinion pieces on the most significant topics in the league.Before his tenure at Fadeaway World, Ishaan worked in corporate communications, where he serviced prominent sports brands, including NBA India, Sports18, Amazon Prime Sports, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. This experience in strategic communications for leading sports entities has enhanced his ability to craft impactful narratives and connect with a global audience.A true MFFLer (Mavs Fan for Life, for the uninitiated), Ishaan is a massive fan of the Dallas Mavericks. When he is not upset about Jalen Brunson walking in free agency, you can see Ishaan as an avid gamer and content creator. His passion for basketball extends beyond the Mavericks, as evidenced by his thoughtfully curated NBA Mount Rushmore, featuring LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell—each representing distinct eras and bringing their unique qualities to the game.Featured On: ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher ReportYahoo Sports, NBA, Fox Sports, The Spun
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