This NBA off-season has been quite momentous, with several big money moves and new contracts for key players. Lakers’ star center, Anthony Davis, made headlines after signing a $186,000,000 3-year extension with the franchise. With this contract, Davis is bound with the team till 2028. As crucial as this move might be, critics have lamented this deal for the Lakers due to Davis being injury prone. Speaking to Paul George in Podcast P, Stephen A. Smith questioned this max-extension week after mocking Davis’ wheelchair exit.
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During the post-season, reports emerged of Anthony Davis exiting the game against Golden State Warriors in a wheelchair. Davis appeared to take an accidental hit on his head from Kevon Looney, which moved him to the sidelines. Lakers’ coach Darvin Ham further clarified concerns about concussion.
Following this incident, Stephen A. Smith reacted on First Take and was seen uncontrollably laughing at Davis’ situation. Smith often criticizes Davis for his irregular performances and found another reason to do the same.
Stephen A. Smith does not seem much pleased with Anthony Davis’ max-extension contract
Speaking to Paul George in his podcast, Stephen A. Smith was initially reluctant to speak about contracts signed this off-season. However, Smith went off the tangent momentarily and talked about Anthony Davis’ $186,000,000 max-extension contract with the Lakers.
The contract allows Davis to earn a $62 million annual salary by the end of his contract. This proposition did not seem to sit right with Stephen A. Smith. Expressing his displeasure, Smith told George:
“Look bro, I love AD. I love AD. Talked to his daddy during the playoffs, I know he was a bit sensitive to what I was saying. Love AD as a person, love him as a player. $62million? $62 million? Let me tell you something bro. His talent is worth, his consistency is not. He will show up one day, he will not show up the next. He will drop 40 in game one, 11 in game two. Now me? I’d much rather have you averaging 28-30, night in-night out. Rather, each and every night it’s like the damn roller coaster. ”
Smith clarified that he does not consider Anthony Davis to be a below-average player. For the ESPN analyst, Davis comes alongside LeBron James as an elite Laker. However, given the center’s constant injuries and fitness issues, Smith raises a huge question mark on this massive 3-year extension.
2x Super Bowl winner Damien Woody also expressed concerns for AD
The Anthony Davis contract extension has been much discussed and deliberated across American sporting circles. Many professionals and critics have questioned whether Davis would stay healthy throughout this contract. Two-time Super Bowl winner Damien Woody was one of the foremost panelists to raise this question on First Take.
Over the last 11 seasons in the NBA, Davis has missed 70 games at least eight or nine times. This brings the question of whether the Lakers are getting value for their money.
