Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton is expected to exercise his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season, according to a report compiled by NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin that summarizes multiple league rumors.
Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, just completed his first year in Los Angeles. He appeared in a career-high 72 regular-season games and posted a personal-best 67.1% field-goal percentage. Despite the efficiency, the 27-year-old recorded career lows in field-goal attempts (8.3), points (12.5), rebounds (8.0) and minutes (27.2) per game.
In the postseason, the Bahamian big man played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ first-round victory over Houston, averaging 11.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.0 block across 31.0 minutes while defending Alperen Şengün. His impact waned in the second round, where Los Angeles was swept by Oklahoma City; Ayton averaged 7.3 points on 45.2% shooting and 7.8 rebounds in 24.8 minutes.
Choosing to opt in would guarantee Ayton’s salary for next season and position him for unrestricted free agency in 2027. The decision would not preclude the Lakers from trading him either during the offseason or before the February trade deadline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
