There is no question that Anthony Davis has established himself as one of the best players in the NBA. Still only 26-years old, he’s already a six-time All-Star with three blocking titles and is a member of the All-NBA Defensive team three times as well. If that weren’t enough, he’s also a walking double-double with 25.9 points and 12 rebounds last season. It isn’t a surprise that the New Orleans Pelicans brought in a massive trade haul when sending him to Los Angeles.
Now all eyes are on the Lakers. LeBron James once again found a way to secure a second superstar on his team. Expectations are high for the franchise this coming season. Especially with the exit of Kevin Durant from Golden State. This opens up the Western Conference like it hasn’t been in years. The Warriors are banged up. If the King is going to get that elusive fourth ring, this may be his last, best chance.
The question though is whether Davis will stick around beyond 2019-2020. It’s no secret the big man has the choice to become a free agent next offseason. Despite having a player option in his contract, he is expected to decline it. At that point, he’ll have two avenues in front of him. Does he sign a maximum long-term extension to stay in Los Angeles or does he enter free agency to go elsewhere?
Most believe the former is the likelier option.
Anthony Davis isn’t opposed to a Chicago homecoming
What people want to know is what will happen if Davis decides to actually leave L.A.? He’d have his choice of just about any team that can find the money to give him max money. It would come down to the situation he likes best. This is where the Chicago Bulls come in. Davis is a native of the city, calling it home even to this day. Would he consider joining his hometown team?
He gave a measured answer to that question at a basketball camp at Kenwood Academy High School as K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported.
“I mean, (this is) definitely hometown,” he said. “If the opportunity ever presents itself and when that time comes, I’d definitely consider it.”
Obviously, that is not any sort of full commitment but it’s an interesting answer. Davis has the power to make that happen next year if he wishes. Much may depend on how the upcoming Lakers season goes. If they disappoint, he may decide to duck out rather than stick around with an aging James, knowing the team gave up a ton of their future capital to get him.
The Bulls have a promising young core in place with Zach Lavine, Lauri Markannen, Otto Porter, and now Coby White. Davis would be an instant hero if he chose to come home and be the final potential piece to that puzzle.
