TITLE: Lakers Seen as More Likely to Retain Marcus Smart Than Deandre Ayton
SLUG: lakers-more-likely-to-keep-marcus-smart-than-deandre-ayton
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers face decisions on two key veterans added through last season’s buyout market, and league observers believe guard Marcus Smart has a better chance of returning than center Deandre Ayton.
Both players hold 2026-27 player options after outperforming their below-market contracts. Ayton can opt in at $8.1 million, while Smart’s option is worth $5.4 million.
Front office leans toward Smart
According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, team sources expect Smart to remain in purple and gold, citing his seamless fit on the court and influence in the locker room. The organization is reportedly prioritizing a “more traditional” center to pair with Luka Doncic and has discussed getting “younger and more athletic” at the position, signaling a possible change from Ayton.
What the options mean
• Ayton: If the 27-year-old picks up his higher-priced option, the Lakers could keep him for depth or use the expiring salary in trade talks.
• Smart: The former Defensive Player of the Year is expected to decline his option in search of a raise; Los Angeles will gauge his market before extending a new offer.
Retaining Smart—or replacing his point-of-attack defense—remains a priority for a roster that struggled with physicality last season.
Possible fallback plan
Should Smart depart, the Lakers have already contacted the Oklahoma City Thunder about wing defender Lu Dort, league sources told Woike.
Los Angeles signed both Ayton and Smart on February 26, 2026, after buyouts with the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics, respectively. Each became a starter during the club’s transition following the Doncic blockbuster trade.
Source: LakersNation.com
