Not so fast – for those of you that have Anthony Davis in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform for the long-haul.
Obviously, we are at an early stage in the game; just six games into Davis’ Laker tenure. However, Davis attended an event in Chicago on Monday, the site of Tuesday’s Lakers and Bulls tilt. Evidently, Davis was asked about playing for his hometown team in Chicago one day.
Lakers star Anthony Davis on possibility of playing for hometown Chicago Bulls in future: “I mean, I am a free agent next year … but we will see.” pic.twitter.com/Y377w1AlAQ
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) November 5, 2019
Therefore, here is the quote from the video posted by Eric Woodyard of ESPN.
“Obviously there is nothing like playing at home,” Davis said. “I don’t know. I am a free agent next year… We’ll see. It’s a possibility.”
First off, we are a long ways from the free agency hysteria of summer 2020 when Davis can freely sign with any team in the NBA. Second, it’s possible he just wanted to leave the door open or even offer a polite response in front of some hometown folks in Chicago. Third, does anyone really buy that these guys know what they want to do day-to-day?
Whether it’s Davis or Giannis Antetokounmpo, or any other big name free agent to-be; is it really fair to ask a player today where he will want to be in the future? While it’s nice to think these guys have their future perfectly planned out, the reality is they have an agent or even more; a team of people that will help them make these decisions on where to play out their future. Moreover, the decision will come down to a number of factors.
In all reality – while Davis could decide to jettison home to Chicago in the summer – it’s more likely that he has several options on the table that include both Los Angeles and Chicago. Then there’s always the ever-popular mystery spot or two which probably includes a mention of the Knicks and an oddball city or two.
Finally, it creates good excitement for both the league and the game to be played on Tuesday evening in Chicago. Players changing teams has become a not only accepted – but anticipated part of NBA basketball. A player playing his entire career in one uniform is no longer valued in the NBA, and fans and the league alike have caved into this. Not one player in the league is teflon in regards to this factor. Seriously, try to name one player who is safe in a given spot his entire career. It’s far more likely for that guy to wear three or even four uniforms, as any number of examples have already played out.
If Lebron James can leave Cleveland – twice to be exact – anything is possible.
