Lakers agree to record contract extension with Anthony Davis 

Since getting traded to the Lakers in 2019, Anthony Davis has been named to two All-Star teams and helped lead the franchise to a championship during the 2020 season. However, things haven't been smooth sailing for the former New Orleans Pelicans star since he won the only championship of his career. In the ensuing seasons, Davis has struggled with a string of injuries that have limited his ability to reach his MVP-caliber level of play. 

Nevertheless, it would appear that Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office believe in Davis and continue to see him as the long-term successor to LeBron James. To begin the 2022-23 NBA season, the Lakers seemed destined to ride Davis to a deep playoff run, as the veteran big man dominated all before him. Unfortunately, a foot injury suffered against the Denver Nuggets derailed Davis' season, and he was unable to rediscover the same level of dominance for the remainder of the basketball year.

Now, Davis will need to prove that he's worth the additional investment from the Lakers. Pelinka has done an admirable job in rebuilding the roster on the fly, highlighted by the midseason additions of D'Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, who both excelled at times after making their way to the Golden Coast. However, Davis is the player who the Lakers will turn to during crunch time. 

For all of his greatness, LeBron will turn 39 during the upcoming season. Now is the time for Davis to step into the forefront of the Lakers' offensive and defensive system. If the veteran big man can play at his best and remain healthy, he will have a major hand in who ends up hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy next year. 

The Lakers are betting on Davis stepping up to the challenge. Only time will tell if that was a bet worth making.