Anthony Davis doesn’t want to have any influence over LeBron James’ upcoming free agency.
The 20-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion on Saturday waived his $51.4 million player option with the Lakers, the team he played for six seasons with.
Los Angeles recently selected James’ son, Bonnie, with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
But James will hit the open market when free agency opens on Sunday, although multiple reports suggest he is expected to return to the Lakers.
According to ESPN, Davis said he respects James’ decision and knows he will be notified before most people hear the news.
“I’m just respecting his space.” Davis told the outlet:“I know we’ll be together all summer and if he makes a decision, whether it’s to stay with the Lakers, opt in or opt out and re-sign or opt out and take another path, I know he’ll let me know before he makes that decision. [official] It was a decision I made simply because of that relationship.
“So I’ll be the first to know before anyone else except his family. [agent] rich [Paul].”
James’ agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN that the NBA star wants to help the Lakers improve their roster.
“His priority is improving the roster,” Paul told the media after news of his opt-out broke. “He’s been adamant about doing everything he can to improve the roster.”
Davis played in five of James’ six seasons in Los Angeles and the two won an NBA title together in the 2019-20 season inside the COVID-19 bubble.
The friends also plan to work together as part of the U.S. men’s basketball team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris in July.
If James chooses the Lakers as expected, he and Bronny will become the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA.
