Deandre Ayton’s first season with the Los Angeles Lakers was filled with ups and downs, giving him an interesting decision to make this offseason.
When Ayton was bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers last summer, he signed a two-year, $16.2 million contract with L.A. that included an $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season as he looked to revive his career in a competitive environment. It appears Ayton is expected to pick up that option, per Kurt Helin of NBC Sports:
It’s no secret the Lakers are looking to upgrade at center (it should be noted Deandre Ayton is expected to pick up his player option and be back with the team).
Ayton choosing to pick up his option doesn’t come as a huge surprise as his reputation around the league still isn’t great and he likely would not have gotten $8.1 million in free agency given the lack of cap space around the league.
With Ayton now under contract for another year, the Lakers can now begin to put their center rotation together for the 2026-27 season. While they have $8 million less in cap space, they have a center that played in 72 games for them last season and averaged 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks while shooting 67.1% from the field.
Just because Ayton is under contract though does not necessarily mean he will be starting for the Lakers on opening night. He is now eligible to be traded and can be included as salary filler as an expiring deal if L.A. looks to make upgrades this offseason. The team can also potentially bring in a better center to start for them, relegating Ayton to a backup role.
As the offseason goes on, the Lakers’ plan for their roster will become more clear. One thing they can expect now though is that they will have Ayton under contract for another season.
Deandre Ayton appreciates JJ Redick & Lakers coaching staff
One thing Ayton appreciated in his first year with the Lakers is the constant support he received from JJ Redick and the coaching staff.
“He’s really proud of the group,” Ayton said of Redick after the Lakers were eliminated. “How much faith he had, this being his 17th season with an NBA team, he’s just really proud of each and every one of us. He really gave me some burdens off my shoulder. He showed in the media that he had my back as well. He’s a really good coach and I was just really honored to be coached by him and his staff.”
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