2014-15 Lakers Season Thread (21-61) KAT

[CP1708]

Why Anthony Davis Should Control His Own Destiny
BY DANIEL LEROUX

APR 6, 2015 5:00 PM

Anthony Davis is putting the finishing touches on a truly remarkable season for a player his age. If it holds to form, The Brow would have the highest PER for any NBA season of a player age 21 or earlier. In fact, he would hold two of the top four marks there (with last year as his second) with Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James in between the two. Davis can and should make even more history in 2015 by being the first elite player to decline a full max extension to take his qualifying offer.

In a vast majority of circumstances, I advocate for young players to take the guaranteed money and run. A lucrative extension off a rookie deal can come a full season ahead of time so it mitigates an absolute ton of risk. In fact, in this circumstance Davis would actually take two years of uncertainty because he would secure his big payday in 2017 instead of 2015. In his distinct situation, the benefits outweigh the costs.

Control

Anthony Davis’ main reason to sign the qualifying offer would be control of his own future. Kyrie Irving, another No. 1 overall pick who only played one year of college, will be an Unrestricted Free Agent for the first time in 2019 when he is 27 years old. That means Irving will only get one bite at the apple in his prime to prioritize whatever he wants most. If Davis becomes unrestricted in 2017 at age 24 (!), he can sign a four- or five-year contract with whatever team he likes and still be in line for another huge contract that would cover the end of his prime and likely some early post-prime seasons.


On top of simply having control, the timing of when Davis hits the market also makes taking the qualifying offer more interesting. While people are focusing on 2016 as the summer where the big chips will fall, 2017 could carry a huge bump in the salary cap as well and has an amazing free agent class including Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka, all of whom will be unrestricted too. Being able to go where he likes gives Davis the power to choose his teammates in New Orleans or elsewhere.

The specter of unrestricted free agency would also force his current team to think differently about the next few seasons. Since they drafted Davis, New Orleans management mistakenly chose shortsighted moves over building slowly around their budding star. They traded two lottery picks for Jrue Holiday (who would be a UFA the same season as Davis if AD takes the qualifying offer) and one for Omer Asik who could leave after one season with no compensation. Davis by himself can change the direction of his franchise and give them the incentive to keep their books clean so he can bring another great player or two to The Big City.

The Max

Waiting until 2017 to get his payout could yield another major benefit for Davis. In all likelihood, the league will be working under a new Collective Bargaining Agreement starting then since both the players and owners have an opt-out of the current one at that time. While the players usually get a smaller piece of the pie on the aggregate due to owners’ ability to better survive stoppages, the NBA currently has a surprisingly low individual player maximum. Additionally, max-level players currently dominate leadership of the Player’s Association. That dynamic could shift CBA negotiations on max contracts and NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts has already brought up her opposition to the current low maximum salaries for individual players.

Waiting until 2017 could put Davis in the first class able to get a higher share of the cap instead of the last one on the current scale. That chance is merely a possibility at present but still a legitimate and interesting one.

Davis’ Reduced Risk

Over the past few months, I have talked with some writers about what it would it take for Anthony Davis to not get a full max offer when he hits free agency. So far, the general consensus has been something catastrophic on or off the court that affects the rest of his career. Most agreed that even tearing his ACL in the last game of the previous season and missing his entire first year on a new contract would not prevent some team from putting a max deal in front of Davis. That means he carries substantially less risk than most elite young players, probably the least in this spot since Kevin Durant or LeBron James.

In addition to that, as the #1 overall pick Davis will get a substantial qualifying offer of $9.19 million. While a few notches down from what he could get on an extension, Davis would be well compensated during his risk year.

The Olympics

If Davis chooses to become an Unrestricted Free Agent in 2017, the 2016 Summer Olympics turn into a gigantic chance for him to shape his future. Every player there would know that one of the best players in the league could be a potential teammate one year from then. That knowledge would also allow The Brow to evaluate everyone there as guys he could play with in his early prime and work to forge connections like Miami’s Big Three made during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The exploding cap also makes bringing three stars together more possible than it has been at any point during the new CBA whether AD could bring them to New Orleans or someone convinces him to play with them elsewhere.

Conclusion

Anthony Davis has given himself an incredible and almost unprecedented opportunity to take control of his career at a young age. Electing to play on a qualifying offer instead of a max extension gives him the flexibility to choose where he makes his legacy and plays for his entire prime. Players and General Managers alike would have the time to prepare simply remarkable situations for him. Becoming an Unrestricted Free Agent in his mid-twenties takes all of the perils of team-building off of Davis’ shoulders since the only way he would spend his prime on an inferior team would be in a situation of his choosing and his control.

This unusual tact certainly carries a healthy amount of risk but not as much for Anthony Davis as it would be for someone with a shakier track record. The man is an MVP candidate at age 22, after all.

Having the Olympics to assess possible teammates and the chance of increased max contracts also makes the big decision more palatable. A confluence of circumstances have allowed the NBA’s best young player has a chance to forge his own path and I sincerely hope he gives himself the opportunity to do so.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

He's the type of guy that should most certainly not take the extension

Want this on another page to look at.


In theory, if we end up at 4-5, and the bigs are gone, Russell is gone, grabbing Justise Winslow could be foreshadowing.


Randle
Winslow
Clarkson

Ad slides in with that group rather well in 2017. Our 3 would have 2 seasons to show what they can do, and still only be 22-23-24 themselves when Davis comes up. If LA hasn't added anyone too heavy or long term, Davis could even bring someone with him.


Imagine Russ and Davis comin out to LA to blend in with these 3.


I figured AD was a lock for the full 7 years in New Orleans, and by the time we tried to get him, he'd be nearing the later part of his prime, and it would be a short window. But if he does this, I mean, it's like landing Shaq again, right in the middle of his 20's. It was a longshot then, it'll be a longshot now, but we've pulled off longshots before.

All comes down to, if we end up "settling" for Winslow, can he and Randle/Clarkson develop enough in the Eddie/Nick/Kobe type mold of young guys helping lure an upper tier FA.


If we miss out on Towns, our fall back option might even work out for us better than we could hope.


Please Mitch, feel free to sign a couple decent Free Agents to 1-2 year deals, and make runs at the playoffs again next year, but please no 4-5 year contracts with a ton of money tied up in 30 year old Rondo's, or LMA's, etc. Let's....let the landscape shift a bit, so that the new CBA can help ease some of the landmines that have affected us during this CBA. (**** you Gilbert)

 

[kal-el-8]

Winslow Clarkson back court is a defensive monster

 

[pmatic]

It seems like we're seeing this narrative of dudes bypassing rookie extensions (Wall, Boogie, Kyrie come to mind) lately. It's just nonsense.

The only reason would be monetary if Davis is eyeing the new tv deal, but his 2012 draft class is positively effected by it.

 

[CP1708]

It seems like we're seeing this narrative of dudes bypassing rookie extensions (Wall, Boogie, Kyrie come to mind) lately. It's just nonsense.

The only reason would be monetary if Davis is eyeing the new tv deal, but his 2012 draft class is positively effected by it.

Usually I agree, get drafted, it's 7 years minimum for most guys. No doubt.

But with NO squandering assets, and the CBA likely to be re-done, the money could likely be doubled by waiting the extra year or two. He could get 25+ per year depending on how well the players do during the lockout.


I know they want that guaranteed cash, but Davis is already guaranteed money regardless. Kyrie, Boogie, etc don't really have legacies to worry about. I think AD does. That kid is a basketball junkie. I heard him the other day talkin to DP, dude knew young guys on the Knicks, every detail about the Kings, what team was doin what, how Harden/Steph were playin, he just absorbs stuff.

Knick fans don't even know stuff about their team, and AD was talkin em up.


Maybe he won't, maybe he'll willingly sign to stay in New Orleans, and play with JRue for a few more years, but I can see him looking ahead, and seein what his payday will be if he stays patient just one more year.

 

[senorroboto2k5]

Q+A: Ed Davis
April 10, 20150 CommentsBy Christopher Cason

With hitting depths the likes of which the franchise has never seen this season, as history has shown, things can only get better for the Los Angeles Lakers going forward. Right?

Fifth-year big man, Ed Davis, hopes to be part of the team’s turnaround and has shown consistency under coach Bryon Scott when given consistent playing time.

Davis’ minutes have taken a hit as the season draws to a close and at a time where he could be showcasing himself to potential suitors in free agency this summer. While there has to be some frustration, he has remained professional in just being ready when his name is called.

He plans to decline his $1 million player option for next season for a more secure deal that should see him net a nice pay raise. He has publicly expressed his desire to remain in purple and gold, but with the Lakers hoping to lure top talent, as Kobe Bryant prepares for his swan song, Davis could be doing the dirty work for another team next season.

SLAM caught up with Davis to discuss what’s been a hectic year, but also one where he’s continued to learn and progress.

SLAM: When the Lakers signed you before the start of the season, you had to look at the roster and think that you guys could make a little bit of noise. What were your expectations?

ED: I knew it was going to be an old team with some veteran leadership. At the time, when I signed, we didn’t have a coach. I knew once we got a coach in here and set up that I would have an opportunity to be able to play, help contribute and just try and pick up from where I left off before I was traded from Toronto. I just wanted to show teams that I could play and I’m not a guy that’s going to be at the end of the bench his whole career.

SLAM: Toronto drafted you 13th in 2010. They traded you at a time when it seemed like you guys were just on the cusp of establishing who you were as players and you were a tight-knit group. What was that transition like to be traded as you’re starting to have things figured out?

ED: It was tough. I developed a lot of relationships in Toronto. I was there for two and a half years and they were the team that drafted me. At that time, I was probably playing the best basketball since I entered the League. So I was enjoying that. We had started to win some games, we started thinking alike and then out the blue, I get traded.

I woke up and went to shootaround and everything that day. So I had no clue until they told me I was traded. Knowing I was going to Memphis and playing behind Marc (Gasol) and Z-Bo (Zach Randolph), I knew it was going to be tough. But I was all for going to the Playoffs and winning. But it just wasn’t a good situation to develop and just grow as a player. It was tough on me, coming into that circumstance, where their lineup was pretty much set and it’s hard for me to break the rotation.

SLAM: Even with the opportunities being limited in Memphis, you went to a veteran team with two All-Star big men. What were some of the things you picked up in your short time there?

ED: I learned a lot. Tayshaun Prince showed me the ropes on just being professional and just thinking the game through. If I was going through something, I could always call him or shoot him a text. I had a good relationship with T.A. (Tony Allen). We stayed right behind each other. He just always kept my spirits high and made sure I was just always focused.

With Marc and Z, I just learned form just watching them everyday in practice with the things that they do best. Watching Z-Bo in the games and how he’s so efficient around the basket without jumping. I really studied Marc a lot on the defensive end, just how he’s always in the right place at the right time, how he reads things and sees the game.

SLAM: s adments you had to make off the court in coming to such a big market?

ED: I’m pretty much a low-key guy. So I didn’t have to adjust to preventing myself from trying to go out or staying out and partying and things like that. The only thing I had to adjust to is the traffic, man. Honestly, it’s all basketball with me and wherever I’m at, whether it’s a big or small market, the basketball is my thing.

SLAM: Even with the injuries this season, you still had a chance to be around guys like Kobe, Steve Nash, Carlos Boozer. That’s a lot of experience and longevity between those three alone. Has there been anything you taken from anyone of them that you can use going forward for the remainder of your career?

ED: Once I signed—maybe a week or two after that—we started to work out with Kobe in Orange County. You hear the stories, but to see it up close with how hard he works out being 19 years in., getting in early. This is late July, early August with how hard he’s going and putting his body through these tough workouts.

He was beating me up and down the floor in sprints. I’m in my fifth year and he’s in his 19th. His mentality and drive is something that really woke me up.

SLAM: It’s the final two weeks of the season and your playing time has been cut at a time where I’m sure you would like to be out proving your worth headed into free agency. How have you remained positive with what could be at stake for you?

ED: Just from early in the season, I got the opportunity. From all the ups and downs, us trying different things out; I was just like, I’m going to stay professional, be ready whenever my number is called and however it goes, it goes. I’ve been in worse situations than this. I look back at my past and I’m thankful that I went through those things because it made situations like this that much easier.

You want to be on the court, but at the same time, we’re going through a developmental stage. So we have to get certain guys playing time and experience. If I wouldn’t have gone through what I’ve been through, I don’t know how I would have reacted.

SLAM: Even with the losses, injuries and the scrutiny of being a Laker, what positives can you take from a year like this?

ED: I definitely made a lot of relationships with a lot of guys on the team. I reconnected with Wayne (Ellington). Sometimes you have to take the good from the bad. Even though we’ve gone through a struggling year, guys on this team got better, grew as players and gave Coach Scott a look into the future with how we’re going to play. Even though it didn’t go as we planned, we dealt with a lot of adversity. From Day One, with Steve going down, Julis (Randle), Kobe, Wayne—J-Hill missed some time. So we dealt with a lot this year.

SLAM: Speaking of positivity, I have to ask you is there a favorite Nick Young moment for you?

ED: Favorite Nick Young story… [Laughs] That’s a good one right there. Let me think about that. Give me a second…. I don’t have one off the top, but he’s a different dude. He’s a funny dude, but he’s a different dude, man.

That’s one thing that I can say about him is he’s always positive. Even with everything that’s going on around him, he always came to practice everyday with a smile on his face, upbeat and never was down, no matter what. Whether he was playing good or struggling, he’s always the same.

SLAM: Off topic here, but I heard you’re something like a car aficionado. A lot of guys buy nice cars, but I hear you know your vehicles. Where did that love come from?

ED: My dad was into cars when he played in the league and I guess that’s what made me get into them. I just always had a love for cars, all different types. I would never buy like a two-door sports car, but I like them. I’m more of a four-door luxury guy. That’s always been one of my hobbies, looking at cars and test driving cars.

SLAM: Dope. What are you currently driving?

ED: I have the Bentley Flying Spur. That’s what I’m driving right now and I have an Escalade.

SLAM: What would be the ultimate car for you?

ED: It would probably be the Phantom Drophead Coupe and I would leave it as is. White on white.

I also heard you’re a big restaurant guy. L.A. has a lot of great places, but what would you say is your favorite so far?

ED: It’s a burrito place inside the farmer’s market at The Grove. That’s the best place I’ve had in L.A. It’s something that you would never know to go there. It’s not a fancy spot. It’s like a little whole in the wall, but if I can have one meal in L.A., it would definitely be from there.

SLAM: It’s going to be a busy summer for you, in terms of the business side of the game. As far as your game is concerned, what do you plan on working on to add to your game?

ED: My jumpshot. I’m going to take two weeks off and then I’m back at it. I still want my game to be the same, but just adding that to give me other options. I want to be able to pick and pop and knock down that 15-17 footer on a consistent basis.15-17 footer on a consistent basis.n a consistent basis.

http://www.slamonline.com/nba/qa-ed-davis/

Speaks on losing PT recently. I was wondering if it was gonna impact the Lakers' chances of re-signing him if they tried; maybe not so much?

 

[pmatic]

It seems like we're seeing this narrative of dudes bypassing rookie extensions (Wall, Boogie, Kyrie come to mind) lately. It's just nonsense.

The only reason would be monetary if Davis is eyeing the new tv deal, but his 2012 draft class is positively effected by it.

Usually I agree, get drafted, it's 7 years minimum for most guys. No doubt.

But with NO squandering assets, and the CBA likely to be re-done, the money could likely be doubled by waiting the extra year or two. He could get 25+ per year depending on how well the players do during the lockout.


I know they want that guaranteed cash, but Davis is already guaranteed money regardless. Kyrie, Boogie, etc don't really have legacies to worry about. I think AD does. That kid is a basketball junkie. I heard him the other day talkin to DP, dude knew young guys on the Knicks, every detail about the Kings, what team was doin what, how Harden/Steph were playin, he just absorbs stuff.

Knick fans don't even know stuff about their team, and AD was talkin em up.


Maybe he won't, maybe he'll willingly sign to stay in New Orleans, and play with JRue for a few more years, but I can see him looking ahead, and seein what his payday will be if he stays patient just one more year.

His draft class is getting the extra boost from the tv deal.

 

[CP1708]

It seems like we're seeing this narrative of dudes bypassing rookie extensions (Wall, Boogie, Kyrie come to mind) lately. It's just nonsense.

The only reason would be monetary if Davis is eyeing the new tv deal, but his 2012 draft class is positively effected by it.

Usually I agree, get drafted, it's 7 years minimum for most guys. No doubt.

But with NO squandering assets, and the CBA likely to be re-done, the money could likely be doubled by waiting the extra year or two. He could get 25+ per year depending on how well the players do during the lockout.


I know they want that guaranteed cash, but Davis is already guaranteed money regardless. Kyrie, Boogie, etc don't really have legacies to worry about. I think AD does. That kid is a basketball junkie. I heard him the other day talkin to DP, dude knew young guys on the Knicks, every detail about the Kings, what team was doin what, how Harden/Steph were playin, he just absorbs stuff.

Knick fans don't even know stuff about their team, and AD was talkin em up.


Maybe he won't, maybe he'll willingly sign to stay in New Orleans, and play with JRue for a few more years, but I can see him looking ahead, and seein what his payday will be if he stays patient just one more year.

His draft class is getting the extra boost from the tv deal.

I'm not followin. I'm talking about the CBA %'s being shifted, and the max guys getting full maxes. Not the TV money. Are you saying that's one in the same?

 

[bravelude]

stay burnt d hand starer. love davis. aka mr. dolphin

 

[pmatic]

It seems like we're seeing this narrative of dudes bypassing rookie extensions (Wall, Boogie, Kyrie come to mind) lately. It's just nonsense.

The only reason would be monetary if Davis is eyeing the new tv deal, but his 2012 draft class is positively effected by it.

Usually I agree, get drafted, it's 7 years minimum for most guys. No doubt.

But with NO squandering assets, and the CBA likely to be re-done, the money could likely be doubled by waiting the extra year or two. He could get 25+ per year depending on how well the players do during the lockout.


I know they want that guaranteed cash, but Davis is already guaranteed money regardless. Kyrie, Boogie, etc don't really have legacies to worry about. I think AD does. That kid is a basketball junkie. I heard him the other day talkin to DP, dude knew young guys on the Knicks, every detail about the Kings, what team was doin what, how Harden/Steph were playin, he just absorbs stuff.

Knick fans don't even know stuff about their team, and AD was talkin em up.


Maybe he won't, maybe he'll willingly sign to stay in New Orleans, and play with JRue for a few more years, but I can see him looking ahead, and seein what his payday will be if he stays patient just one more year.

His draft class is getting the extra boost from the tv deal.

I'm not followin. I'm talking about the CBA %'s being shifted, and the max guys getting full maxes. Not the TV money. Are you saying that's one in the same?

Yes.

New tv deal kicking in ---> His contract being bigger than the draft class of 2011 and before.

This is why the league wants to "smooth" the big jump in the cap. Davis will be getting a lot his first year in his extension than Kyrie, and he was only drafted a year after Kyrie.

 

[jpzx]

Whatever happened to game threads I think tonight's game warrants one...

 

[teamlakers909]

Who should the Lakers send to the lottery pickings?

Only guy scheduled to be in the lineup for next four years...Swaggy P!

 

[MVP]

They should send Bean. Srs. He's getting 25 mil next year, if he's not going to the games he can at least go and try to recruit some rookies to help for next year.

 

[pmatic]

Host: Great to have you hear Kobe!

Kobe: **** this.

 

[essential1]

Host: Great to have you hear Kobe!

Kobe: **** this.

That may be # 1.

I think DJ Mbenga eating tacos shoud be under consideration.

 

[MVP]

Host: Great to have you hear Kobe!

Kobe: **** this.

pure gold

 

[darthska]

[quote name="PMatic"]Host: Great to have you hear Kobe!

Kobe: **** this.[/quote] [manup] [/manup]

 

[kal-el-8]

[quote name="PMatic"]Host: Great to have you hear Kobe!

Kobe: **** this.

[manup] [/manup][/quote]

This confused me

 

[pmatic]

 

[nick.]

gonna need y'all to pick up one last W tonight

 

[MVP]

gonna need y'all to pick up one last W tonight

Why Minny is closer to y'all. 

 

[nick.]

gonna need y'all to pick up one last W tonight

Why Minny is closer to y'all. 

yeah you're right

this season needs to end already

 

[bravelude]

lol at poll.

kobe and young boys company.

 

[senorroboto2k5]

Rockets just fell from 2 to 6

 

[CP1708]

Yeah, movin up a few slots due the Rockets dropping feels good.

Now go get this Win Lakers.

 

[pmatic]

Kelly Clarkson.