On a Los Angeles Lakers team where very few players were even average defenders, Ed Davis stood out this season as someone who knew his strengths as a rebounder and rim protector. Even when his minutes were low, Davis continued to tally impressive rebounding numbers and provide a presence on the back end of the defense.
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Davis signed a two-year contract with the ability to opt-out and after a solid season, Davis has decided to invoke that opt-out clause, making him an unrestricted free agent according to Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times:
Ed Davis has opted out of his contract with the Lakers
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) June 24, 2015
This move in not surprising in any way as it was well known that Davis would opt-out and it makes sense that he would. He posted career-highs in points, rebounds, assists and blocks. Additionally, his 60.7 shooting percentage would have been second in the NBA had he taken enough shots to qualify.
Davis is a player who knows his strengths and weaknesses very well and plays towards them. He is a great finisher in the paint and a terror on the offensive boards. He is also an underrated passer down, and has a very good understanding of the pick-and-roll which was apparent when he worked with Jeremy Lin in that situation.
Both the Lakers and Davis are interested in a reunion, but whether or not that happens will be dependent on a number of things. The Lakers will be wary of paying Davis too much so if the market drives his price up, the Lakers would likely let him walk. There is also the question of who else the team brings in during the off-season.
If they add a big in the draft and are able to sign another big-name post player in free agency to come back with the returning Julius Randle and Tarik Black, the Lakers may deem Davis expendable.
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