Ed Davis chose Los Angeles Lakers over Los Angeles Clippers
In what was a bit of a surprise, Memphis Grizzlies’ big man Ed Davis became an unrestricted free agent after the Grizzlies did not tender him a qualifying offer, which would have made him a restricted free agent. The Grizzlies had to make a decision because both starter Zach Randolph and David could be free agents. After the Grizzlies re-signed Randolph to a two-year, $20 million extension, Davis was on his way out.
More from Los Angeles Clippers
- Did Russell Westbrook play role in James Harden’s Clippers interest?
- 3 potential James Harden suitors not named the Clippers
- The new NBA flopping rules explained
- 5 players Sixers could acquire in Harden deal to stay competitive
- NBA rumors: One Damian Lillard suitor could drop out in favor of another star
Davis drew interest from the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers but eventually signed a two-year, $2 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, choosing the Lakers over the Clippers, a move he is very excited about.
Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders has the scoop.
"Davis said he also received serious interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, but he ultimately decided to don the purple and gold and sign with the other team that inhabits Staples Center.“I just wanted to find the perfect situation for this upcoming season and for the future,” Davis said. “I didn’t want to take a deal just because it was more money and it might look better – I really wanted to go somewhere that had a need for me and wanted me rather than just joining a team to fill out the roster. For me, it was really just waiting it out and seeing which team had the most interest and seeing where I could go to really help the team and get a chance to play."
It isn’t a huge loss for the Clippers, who signed Cleveland Cavaliers’ free agent big man Spencer Hawes, but it was a great value pick-up for the Lakers.
Davis averaged 5.7 points and 4.1 rebounds in 15.2 minutes per game last season while shooting 53.4% from the field and 52.8% from the free throw line last season.