Role player Ed Davis reportedly wants to stay in L.A. next season even after he opted out of the last year of his two-year $2.1 million minimum contract with the Lakers last week. And the feeling was mutual as the Lakers also want him back, as per Bleacher Report.

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As early as last April, Davis had already expressed his fondness of staying in the city and playing for the franchise as he announced that he will test free agency this summer.

The 6-foot-11 former North Carolina standout told the Los Angeles Times that he is hoping to be back with the Lakers after the whole ordeal "as long as everything is equal with all the other teams."

Davis is supposed to receive $1.1 million next season to complete his Lakers deal. But after his inspired play last season where he effectively contributed off the bench in limited minutes, he felt that it is time for him to listen to what the other teams in the league can offer.

He averaged 7.6 rebounds per game, 1.2 assists per game, and 8.3 points per game (60.1 percent field goal shooting) in just a little over 23 minutes a night in 2014-2015. It speaks of his efficiency even when only given limited playing time.

However, before Davis gets his wish, the Lakers may have to first chase a max player this July then turn to him immediately afterward.

Mitch Kupchak and company are reportedly eyeing LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, or DeAndre Jordan to start for the team next season. If one of these three eventually lands in Hollywood, then the energetic Davis is the certainly the perfect backup.

Meanwhile, Lakers Nation indicated that Davis is indeed in the team's long-term plans. Kupchak and head coach Byron Scott were all praises about their steal of a big man's performance for the undermanned Lakers.

Scott recently told reporters that Davis was one of the Lakers' "most valuable big men" last year and that he and Kupchak would definitely want him to come back next season.  

While all indications point to a possible reunion in Hollywood, a lot of teams right now are looking for a young, fast, and agile center that could also protect the rim and finish some lobs. Davis provides all of these things and there will surely be a few suitors that may try to outspend Kupchak for his services.

TagsNBA 2015, NBA news, NBA News 2015, NBA rumors, NBA Rumors 2015, NBA Trade Rumors, NBA trade rumors 2015, Ed Davis, Los Angeles Lakers