Davis never plans on leaving Pelicans: 'I love it here'

All-Star forward Anthony Davis showed his loyalty to the New Orleans Pelicans when he inked his five-year, $145-million extension last year. As he told reporters Friday afternoon during the team's media day, his level of commitment to the franchise will likely go well beyond his current deal.

"I never plan on leaving here. I love it here," Davis said. "I plan on bringing a championship here."

Davis' numbers since entering the league first overall in 2012 out of the University of Kentucky place him among the best of the best in the sport. In 61 appearances last season, the 23-year-old averaged a double-double of 24.3 points and 10.3 rebounds en route to his third-straight All-Star nod.

His biggest cause for concern has always been staying on the court long enough to make an impact, missing 14 or more games every year, including 21 during the 2015-16 campaign due to an injured left knee and torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Related: Anthony Davis says he's played through torn labrum for 3 years

Hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy one day is clearly a commendable goal, albeit a lofty one. The Pelicans have only advanced out of the opening round of the playoffs once since 2002, and have failed to qualify at all in four of the last five years.

His contract will take him through the 2019-20 season, with a player option in 2020-21 worth nearly $29 million should he reconsider his stance and elect to find a new home.