Lakers star listed as biggest (potential) free agent of 2024

 The Los Angeles Lakers have their eyes set on a championship in the upcoming season. GM Rob Pelinka has made smart additions to the roster during the offseason, and now Los Angeles looks primed to make a deep postseason run. However, the future of Anthony Davis could become an unwanted talking point throughout the year.

Davis has a player option on his contract for the 2024-25 season, worth approximately $43.2 million. Considering his age and injury history, he could potentially opt in to the final year of his deal and become a free agent in 2025. More likely, however, is Davis declining his player option and looking to negotiate a new deal that would give him some security heading into the latter part of his career. 

According to Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey, Davis would be the hottest commodity on the free-agent market next summer if he chooses to opt-out. 

"Outside of Nikola Jokić (and perhaps Jamal Murray, Jimmy Butler and Devin Booker), few players did as much to make or repair their on-court reputation during the 2023 postseason than Anthony Davis...Davis can still completely change a game with his defense while operating as a No. 2 (or 1B) on the other end," Bailey wrote.

Before succumbing to a foot injury that he sustained during a regular-season game against the Denver Nuggets, Davis was producing at an MVP-worthy level for the Lakers. When healthy and engaged, he is among the most impactful players in the NBA. Nevertheless, his injury troubles in recent seasons could give some teams pause about pursuing him in free agency.

The upcoming season will have a significant impact on what Davis chooses to do with his player option, and the Lakers can rest assured their star big man will bring his A game all season long. Davis is more than capable of leading the Lakers to a championship next season, especially with LeBron James at his side coupled with the offseason additions thus far. 

With one final payday likely resting on his upcoming performance, Davis may rediscover the level of play that saw the Lakers mortgage their future to acquire him from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019.