Ed Davis on player option: 'I'm going to test free agency'

Ed Davis rolled the dice in free agency a season ago and wound up taking a below-market deal. Coming off a successful season with the Los Angeles Lakers, it's unlikely Davis's market will be depressed once again.

Davis owns a $1.1-million player option for next season, one he's set to decline - although he was careful to say that doesn't mean he won't be back in Hollywood.

"I'm going to test free agency," Davis told reporters. "Hopefully I'm back with the Lakers, as long as everything is equal with all the other teams."

The 25-year-old has at times seemed unhappy under head coach Byron Scott - and who hasn't? - suggesting as early as February that he'd opt out and later taking issue with the coach's decision to rest him late in the year.

Between the mystery surrounding the Lakers' offseason and a market that should produce numerous suitors for Davis, a capable third big, it seems likely he could be in a new uniform for 2015-16. It also seems likely he'll get the multiyear deal he reportedly turned down last offseason, or at least one that pays him above the league minimum.

A pick-and-roll threat with quality passing instincts, Davis had a career year, averaging 8.3 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 60.1 percent from the floor. He doesn't have a terrific outside shot and can be bullied on defense, but if he's your third or fourth rotation big, you're in good shape.