Deandre Ayton opts into $8 million player option with Lakers
ESPN • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 9:50 PM
Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Deandre Ayton has officially opted into his $8 million player option for the upcoming NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite a variable performance during the 2025-2026 season, averaging 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds, his decision impacts the team's offseason strategy as they look to upgrade the center position. The Lakers have openly expressed interest in improving at the starting center role, and Ayton's future with the team remains uncertain as they explore trade options and potential bench roles for him next season.
- •Ayton reaches decision on his $8 million player option.
- •He averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds last season.
- •Lakers aim to enhance their starting center position.
- •Ayton could be available in trade discussions.
- •His inconsistent performance raises concerns about his role.
- 10:19 PMESPN — Sources: Ayton opts in to Lakers; Smart declines
- 3:26 AMYahoo Sports — Deandre Ayton is reportedly expected to exercise player option
- 9:50 PMYahoo Sports — Deandre Ayton Reaches Decision on $8 Million Player Option: Report
- 7:01 PMYahoo Sports — Deandre Ayton expected to pick up his player option
"Lakers center Deandre Ayton, a player who was massively inconsistent in the 2025-2026 season, has a player opt-in for the upcoming season. The post Deandre Ayton Reaches Decision on $8 Million Player Option: Report appeared first on LA Sports Report.
"Lakers center Deandre Ayton is opting into his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season, while Marcus Smart is declining his $5.4 million option, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
"According to a reporter, Deandre Ayton is expected to exercise his player option for next season.
Sources
External links- ESPNJun 29, 2026, 10:19 PMSources: Ayton opts in to Lakers; Smart declines
Lakers center Deandre Ayton is opting into his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season, while Marcus Smart is declining his $5.4 million option, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
- Yahoo SportsJun 28, 2026, 3:26 AMDeandre Ayton is reportedly expected to exercise player option
According to a reporter, Deandre Ayton is expected to exercise his player option for next season.
- Yahoo SportsJun 27, 2026, 9:50 PMDeandre Ayton Reaches Decision on $8 Million Player Option: Report
Lakers center Deandre Ayton, a player who was massively inconsistent in the 2025-2026 season, has a player opt-in for the upcoming season. The post Deandre Ayton Reaches Decision on $8 Million Player Option: Report appeared first on LA Sports Report.
- Yahoo SportsJun 27, 2026, 7:01 PMDeandre Ayton expected to pick up his player option
Deandre Ayton expected to pick up his player option
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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