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NBA Rumors: Anthony Davis may test free agency, impact on Clippers?

By Ryan Snellings

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the LA Clippers before the game on October 22, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the LA Clippers before the game on October 22, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Anthony Davis may end up testing free agency this summer after making comments on Monday. How will this affect the LA Clippers?

Most teams are only six or seven games into the 2019-20 NBA season, but that hasn’t stopped everyone from already worrying about free agency in the summer of 2020. On Monday in Chicago, Anthony Davis was asked if he would ever consider playing for the Bulls. His answer may impact the LA Clippers.

Context is key in this situation. Davis was in his home town of Chicago a day early before the Lakers face the Bulls. As a surprise, he stopped at a local restaurant to speak in front of kids from his alma mater, Perspectives Charter School. A student-athlete asked, “If you get a chance to come home and play for the Bulls would you do it?”

Davis responded, “I mean, obviously there’s nothing like playing at home. I mean, I am a free agent next year… but we will see.”

Remember, context is key. Davis probably isn’t going to just crush the dreams of a bunch of kids who want him to come home. Still, he could have opted for the “I’m just focused on winning this season” answer that so many use. Is there a chance AD leaves the Lakers after just one season? Maybe. The door isn’t closed. If that’s going to be the case, what does it mean for the LA Clippers?

It could mean a whole lot. AD may just want one ring to cement his legacy before going home. That means he and the Lakers could become very dangerous as they push for a championship. When the buyout market hits, the Lakers could really push for players like Andre Iguodala as they try to shore up their roster. No, they cannot offer more money than the Clippers, but they can be more aggressive in their pitches knowing that this season may be their only opportunity.

Although the season is young, the Lakers do look to be the number one threat to the Clippers’ own title aspirations. They themselves are a ticking time bomb, with both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George likely becoming free agents in 2021 (both have player options). Both teams went all-in on championships this summer, meaning one very well could end up disappointed and without many assets.

If AD does bolt, the 2020-21 season becomes just a little more open for the Clips. We would have to assume that the Lakers don’t do anything too crazy during free agency that summer as they wait for 2021 when the aforementioned Leonard and George, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo and others become available. Yes, the Warriors might be back to being competitive, but the Pacific Division seems just a little more open.

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Anthony Davis’ decision is going to affect a lot of the league, not just the Clippers. He is just that kind of player. With so little time on the Lakers under his belt, I’m sure AD is only focused on playing now. His comments are worth storing away and not thinking about until much later into the season. When the time comes though, expect everyone to watch with anticipation, especially Clipper Nation.