- Anthony Davis is waiving his $4 million trade kicker, according to ESPN.
- Davis is also keeping the No. 23 as a gift from teammate LeBron James.
- The Los Angeles Lakers will now have $32 million to spend toward free agency and bringing in another star player. They may also decide to divide the sum for several players.
- Fans on Twitter are reacting to the news with conspiracy theories as to why Davis would decide to waive the extra money.
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Anthony Davis is waiving his $4 million trade kicker, according to ESPN.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers were “scrambling to reshape the parameters” of the trade after it was announced because of a lack of cap space.
Now it seems they’ve figured it out.
The trade, which formerly included just the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans, now includes a third team — the Washington Wizards. The Lakers will send a 2022 second-round pick to the Wizards, and the Wizards will send the Pelicans cash.
While the trade has been agreed to, it does not become official until July 6, when the league’s transaction embargo is lifted.
As a result, the Lakers will be able to pursue a max-contract free agent with $32 million to spend toward completing a “Big Three.”
Read more: The Lakers made 2 huge moves in a matter of hours that set them up perfectly to add another big star
According to Wojnarowski, Zach Lowe, and Bobby Marks of ESPN, the Lakers are expected to explore several options, including D’Angelo Russell of the Brooklyn Nets and the Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard.
The Lakers could also choose to divide the money to pursue a combination of players.
In addition to waiving $4 million, Davis is also keeping No. 23 — the number worn by LeBron James — on his jersey as a gift from James.
According to reports, Davis and his agent, Rich Paul, waived the trade bonus as a way to invest in more talent on the court, but fans have different theories.
Some point to Davis’ involvement in “Space Jam 2,” which James is an executive producer on. Others are saying that Davis may have waived the bonus for James to give up his number.
Read more: ‘Space Jam 2’ cast to include NBA stars Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Diana Taurasi, and more
It is unknown what number James will wear next, but many speculate he will return to No. 6, which he wore during four seasons with the Miami Heat. He was also spotted wearing the number on the set of “Space Jam 2.”
NBA
LeBron James
Anthony Davis
Los Angeles Lakers
