Los Angeles Lakers Center Deandre Ayton Expected to Exercise 2026-27 Player Option
deandre-ayton-expected-to-exercise-2026-27-player-option
LOS ANGELES — Deandre Ayton plans to remain under contract with the Lakers for at least one more season, as the center is expected to pick up his $8.1 million player option for 2026-27, according to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports via Hoops Rumors.
The decision would keep the former No. 1 overall draft pick tied to Los Angeles beyond the upcoming campaign, giving the club additional roster clarity heading into the offseason.
Uneven first year in purple and gold
Ayton, 28, appeared in a career-high 72 regular-season games during his debut season with the Lakers. He set a personal best by converting 67.1 percent of his field-goal attempts, yet averaged career lows of 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 27.2 minutes per game.
Playoff performance
In the first round against the Houston Rockets, Ayton averaged 11.8 points and 10.8 rebounds while helping contain center Alperen Şengün. His impact waned in the conference semifinals, where Los Angeles was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Future still flexible
Even with the option likely to be exercised, Ayton’s contract could remain a trade chip for the Lakers either before the season starts or ahead of the February trade deadline. The Bahamas native continues to intrigue executives around the league, with flashes of two-way impact occasionally offset by stretches of inconsistency.
The Lakers have not publicly commented on Ayton’s plans or on any potential trade discussions.
Source: Hoops Wire
