Heartbreak: The greatest New Orleans Pelicans player of all time has terminated his contract to sign a new contract.
Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers have reached a deal for a three-year, $186 million maximum agreement that would last through 2028. With a player option for the following year worth just over $43 million, Davis had one year left on his $40 million deal as the 2023–24 season got closer.
The new contract is the most lucrative annual extension in NBA history, setting a new record. An average of $62 million will be given to Davis each season.
March 14, 2023: Anthony Davis, a forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, warms up before the team plays the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports’ Stephen Lew
The New Orleans Pelicans selected 30-year-old Davis first overall out of the University of Kentucky in the 2012 NBA Draft. From 2012 till 2019, he was a player for New Orleans. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team while he was a player for the Pelicans, and he received three honors as a member of the All-NBA First Team in 2015, 2017, and 2018.
He has also received recognition for his defensive abilities, leading the league in blocks in 2014, 2015, and 2018, and being named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team twice (in 2015 and 2017). In addition, Davis has participated in several NBA All-Star games and won the MVP Trophy in 2017.
In July 2019, New Orleans made a trade with Los Angeles for Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and three first-round draft selections. The Lakers’ No. 4 overall pick in 2019 was one of the selections. Despite having only a 6% chance of winning, New Orleans managed to secure the lottery and now gets to choose the top choice in the 2019 NBA Draft. Zion Williamson, a forward from Duke University, was selected by the Pelicans.
