Signing Ed Davis made sense for the Lakers last summer.
Re-signing him this summer may not.
The Lakers pulled off a small-scale free-agency coup last July when they signed Davis for under $1 million with a player option for 2015-16 worth just a little more. The 13th overall pick from the 2010 draft has never blossomed into a star, but he remains a per-36-minute fiend and his deal was way below market value. But his next deal may not be so cap friendly.
It’s been a foregone conclusion that, barring injury, Davis would opt to explore free agency and pursue a raise this summer. While speaking with the Los Angeles Daily News’ Mark Medina, he openly confirmed as much:
Davis said in an interview with the Los Angeles News Group that he will opt out of his player option worth around $1 million that would secure his Lakers’ future for the 2015-16 season for one specific reason.
“I’m hoping for a long-term deal,” said Davis, who has until June 25 before formally deciding his move. “I’d love to return here. I know this will turn around eventually.”
The Lakers may keep Davis. But it appears their offseason priority involves the NBA draft and attracting a marquee star once free agency begins July 1. Of course, Davis’ future could hinge on what offers he attracts from other teams. …
“This is definitely my first option,” Davis said of the Lakers. “They’re a team that gave me a look last summer when not too many teams were calling. This is definitely where I want to be at. Hopefully I can stay here for the rest of my career.”
Gauging Davis’ value will be difficult. He’s still green on the offensive end, but he’s an active defender, explosive rim-rocker and provides end-to-end energy. His 12 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per 36 minutes speak for themselves. Big men with double-double potential always get paid. It’s the way the NBA works. Towers are rare commodities. Filling the center position takes serious cash.
And it will take even more cash this July. The league’s salary cap is expected to explode in 2016, and with players able to make substantially more in contracts signed after this summer, there’s a chance it will be reflected in this year’s market.
Whether or not the Lakers bite on Davis depends on three things. First, there is the draft. If the Lakers retain their top-five protected pick and wind up selecting Jahlil Okafor or Karl-Anthony Towns, the need for Davis is instantly minimized. Then there is free agency to consider. The Lakers will have max-contract space. Inking Marc Gasol or DeAndre Jordan would limit the need to retain Davis.
Above all else, there’s Davis’ price tag. Signing or drafting a big man doesn’t preclude the Lakers from keeping Davis. He can be a nice complement to any second unit and would be an ideal talent to spell Gasol, Jordan or Okafor. But if some team desperate for rim protection comes slinging a long-term deal worth $7-plus million annually, Davis’ return becomes less and less likely. He needs to chase dollar signs. The Lakers need to preserve flexibility and the means to acquire star power. And depending on how the draft and free-agency market shake out, those chases may prove to be mutually exclusive from one another.
