NBA Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers Should Re-Sign Ed Davis ASAP

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By @pjacobosports

Ed Davis Los Angeles Lakers

Richard Mackson- USA TODAY Sports

It’s difficult to find positives with the Los Angeles Lakers so far through the 2014-2015 season. The Lakers faced off against a struggling Orlando Magic team on Friday night, though, and Los Angeles was able to walk away with an impressive 101-84 victory.

Ed Davis had another double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks) for the purple and gold. Davis was brought in over the summer due to his upside. The Lakers offered plenty of minutes for him to develop, and he has certainly filled the box score well.

At 26 years of age, Davis hasn’t disappointed this season and he’s been the NBA’s most underrated signing. He signed a generous two-year deal for about $2 million with a player option for next season. His strong play this season is building up a case for him to stick around long term.

During the first 20 games, he was coming off the bench and provided the Lakers with great energy and hustle. Davis stays within his limits. The Lakers struggled defensively and Byron Scott inserted Davis into the starting unit benching Carlos Boozer. Davis is the only defensive presence on the roster.

The 6-foot-10 forward/center out of North Carolina is averaging eight points, seven rebounds and blocking nearly two shots a game. As I stated before, Davis knows his limitations. He understands that he needs to block/alter shots and rebound the basketball. His scoring comes from offensive put-backs hence his efficient 61 percent field goal percentage.

Davis has a player option for next year, which he’ll surely opt out of in search of more money. The Lakers should quickly pounce to re-sign him to a nice deal. Since his insertion into the starting unit, Davis has remained consistent. In 16 games as a starter, he’s averaging 9.6 points and 6.5 boards to go along with 44 offensive boards and blocked 18 shots.

The Lakers are at a point where they are giving their young players enough playing time to see what they have in them. Jordan Hill has been playing well, but I don’t see him staying with the Lakers beyond this season (at least not at 9M per year). Davis brings the same intensity and energy as a starter or off the bench.

Davis, alongside Julius Randle, Robert Sacre and perhaps Tarik Black, will add youth and front-court depth for next season. Hill is making $9 million this year, and Davis is making under one million. Davis can be re-signed at a much more reasonable price.

The Lakers sit at 12-25 after tonight’s victory. The Lakers may have signed a steal in Davis. He’s still young enough to improve his skills and is willing to work at his craft. He missed a game-tying free throw against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 2. He was in the gym the next day practicing his free throws. The Lakers have to love that from the young player.

Pablo Jacobo is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @pjacobosports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on Google.

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