Anthony Davis, affectionately known as "AD," has solidified his place not just as an NBA superstar but also as one of the league's top earners. His most recent financial commitment came in August 2023, when he inked a massive three-year, $186 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. This deal, which effectively kicks in for the 2025-26 season and runs through 2027-28, represents the largest average annual value for any contract in NBA history at roughly $62 million per year. It's a testament to his indispensable value as a two-way force, anchoring the Lakers' defense and providing a potent offensive threat.
This record-setting extension places Davis firmly among the NBA's elite in terms of compensation, surpassing previous high marks set by MVPs like Nikola Jokic. The contract reflects the Lakers' commitment to their championship core and AD's status as a foundational piece alongside LeBron James. When compared to peers, Davis’s new average annual salary outpaces many other perennial All-Stars and even some former MVP winners, underscoring the scarcity of a talent with his unique skillset and impact on both ends of the court.
AD's Evolving Earnings Trajectory
Davis's financial journey in the NBA has been a steady climb to the pinnacle. Drafted first overall in 2012 by the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans), his rookie scale contract was a modest four-year, $23.2 million deal. His first major payday came in 2015 with a five-year, $145 million extension in New Orleans. Upon his blockbuster trade to the Lakers, he signed another lucrative five-year, $190 million contract in 2020. This latest $186 million extension is a dramatic leap, showcasing how a decade of consistent elite performance, a championship ring, and continued availability (despite past injury concerns) translates into unprecedented financial reward for one of the league's most dominant big men.
Trade on Every Game with Kalshi
Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.