Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Report: Lakers 'Likely' Won't Have Issue Re-Signing Anthony Davis Due to TV Deal

Rob Goldberg

The coronavirus pandemic has affected a lot of NBA teams financially—and those effects will only get worse if the league plays without fans in 2020-21—but the Los Angeles Lakers should still be able to re-sign Anthony Davis to a max deal without issues, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.

The Lakers reportedly have a local television deal worth $200 million and a national television share of $100 million, providing enough revenue to bring back Davis even without income from ticket sales.

Davis has already turned down an offer of a four-year, $146 million max extension with the Lakers and will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his $28.7 million player option, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.

However, Haynes noted, "No one within league circles anticipates Davis leaving the Lakers after one season."

He will be eligible to receive a five-year, $202 million max contract from Los Angeles this offseason.

Franchises around the league are struggling with finances because of the pandemic.

Teams could lose up to $2 million per game if fans aren't allowed in 2020-21, and one owner projects to lose $50 million next season. The pandemic will cost the NBA more than $1 billion in revenue this season, per Windhorst.

The Lakers are owned by the Buss family, who "don't have deep pockets compared to their peers," per Windhorst. However, the television revenue should be enough to keep ownership afloat.

   

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