All the attention for the Los Angeles Lakers right now is the NBA Draft on June 25. While the storied franchise is working out numerous prospects for their 2nd, 27th and 34th overall picks, free agency immediately follows on July 1.
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After being one of the few bright spots, Ed Davis is expected to opt out of his $1.1 million contract in hopes of a long-term deal. According to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, Davis may seek a contract worth $7-10 million per season depending on the number of years:
Davis declined to outline the terms of his preferred contract in length and dollar amount. But a league source familiar with his thinking said he will seek a two or three-year deal worth $7-8 million a year, or a one-year deal worth $9-10 million.
While Davis has expressed his desire to return to the Lakers next season, the franchise will explore all of their options first with a projected $24 million in cap space. Should Los Angeles ultimately decline Jordan Hill’s $9 million team option, they will have the ability to offer one superstar such as LaMarcus Aldridge or Kevin Love the max contract.
Heading into this off-season, there is optimism the Lakers will be able to add pieces that will help speed up the rebuilding process. With the No. 2 pick, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson, the franchise is establishing the foundation for the post-Kobe Bryant era.
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