Report: Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis opts out of contract, set to become free agent

Benyam Kidane

Report: Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis opts out of contract, set to become free agent image

Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis has declined his $28.7 million player option for the final year of his deal to become a free agent, according to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes.

Davis had one year left on the five-year, $127 million deal he signed with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016, however, it is widely expected he will re-sign with the Lakers long-term following their championship success last season.

The 27-year-old enjoyed a successful season in his first year with the purple and gold, lifting the Larry O'Brien trophy as he helped the Lakers secure their first championship since 2010. 

"I had a great time in L.A. this first year," Davis said following their NBA Finals win over the Miami Heat.

"This has been nothing but joy, nothing but amazement. Over the next couple of months, we'll figure it out. I mean, I'm not 100 percent sure, but that's why my agent [Rich Paul] is who he is, and we'll discuss it and figure it out."

Averaging 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game in the regular season, he was named to the All-NBA First Team for the fourth time in his career and earned an All-Defensive First Team selection for the second time in his career. 

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Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.