Deandre Ayton opts into $8.1M player option with Lakers

Deandre Ayton has opted into his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season, securing his return to the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran center, who will turn 28 next month, made the decision ahead of a Monday deadline, foregoing unrestricted free agency.

Ayton signed a two-year, $16.2 million deal with the Lakers last offseason after reaching a buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers. In his first season with Los Angeles, the 2018 No. 1 overall draft pick appeared in a career-high 72 regular-season games, averaging 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game while shooting a career-best 67.1 percent from the field. His decision provides some immediate roster clarity for a Lakers team navigating a pivotal offseason.

The center's performance was a mixed bag. He was instrumental in the Lakers' first-round playoff victory over the Houston Rockets, averaging 11.8 points and 10.8 rebounds while playing strong defense. However, his production declined significantly during a second-round sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he averaged just 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Throughout the season, Ayton was a polarizing figure, praised for his skill and soft touch near...