The Los Angeles Lakers got their man, sealing a deal to bring Anthony Davis to Hollywood and according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the six-time All-Star intends to play out the final year of his contract and sign a new deal with the Lakers once he becomes eligible for free agency in 2020.
Per ESPN:
"Davis, who had requested a trade to L.A. in January, joins James in Los Angeles to create one of the most powerful duos in the NBA. Davis has long indicated privately that he plans to sign a new contract with the Lakers once he becomes eligible for free agency in 2020," sources said.
The report follows the news that the New Orleans Pelicans reportedly agreed to send Davis to Los Angeles in a blockbuster deal including Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first-round draft picks, including the no.4 pick in this year's draft.
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"Where he's going to land? I have no idea," Paul added. "And it don't matter. We’re going into free agency. Why does it matter to me where he goes? Earth: We're going into free agency. He has a year, he has to play. But after that, I can't say it no bigger: WE ARE GOING INTO FREE AGENCY. 2020: ANTHONY DAVIS WILL BE IN FREE AGENCY."
For the Lakers, they now turn their attention to the current free agent class as they look to build a championship contender around Davis and LeBron James.
The Lakers cannot officially complete the Davis deal until July 6, which means they would only have $23.7 million available in cap space to sign a free agent, if Davis doesn't waive his $4 million trade bonus.
If the Pelicans agree to wait until July 30 to complete the deal, it would give the Lakers $32.5 million in cap space - or enough for a third max contract as they shift their focus to the likes of Kemba Walker, Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler, who will all be on the market this summer.