Report: Lakers' Davis declines $146 million extension
Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis declined a four-year, $146 million max extension on Tuesday and intends to become an unrestricted free agent in July, Yahoo Sports reported.
Yahoo reported that Rich Paul, who is Davis' agent, informed the team that Davis wants to focus on this season.
Davis has a player option of $28.7 million for next season but is expected to decline it to become a free agent. He will be eligible to sign a five-year, $202 million max deal in the summer. According to the Yahoo report, Davis is expected to remain with the Lakers beyond this season.
The Lakers acquired Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans in the offseason for a package that included forward Brandon Ingram, point guard Lonzo Ball and combo guard Josh Hart.
Davis waived his no-trade clause so the deal with the Lakers could be completed. Tuesday was the first day in which he was eligible to sign an extension with the Lakers.
Davis, a six-time All-Star, is averaging 27.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.6 blocked shots in 34 games.
Also, forward LeBron James is ill and was sent home from the team's morning shootaround in hopes he will feel well enough to play for Tuesday night's home game against the New York Knicks.
"Not feeling good at all," Lakers coach Frank Vogel told reporters. "But still hopeful he'll play tonight, but we wanted to get him out of here as quickly as we could so he can rest up."
James has missed just one game this game.
Guard Avery Bradley (ankle) is expected to play. He was injured during Sunday's game against the Detroit Pistons but X-rays and an MRI exam both ruled out significant damage.
--Field Level Media
