League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Trades

Deandre Ayton plans to exercise player option with Lakers for next season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 28, 2026, 4:46 AM

Last updated Jun 28, 2026

Deandre Ayton plans to exercise player option with Lakers for next season

Summary

Deandre Ayton is set to exercise his player option for the upcoming 2026-27 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. After an inconsistent 2025-26 season, Ayton aims to solidify his role and prove his value alongside Luka Doncic. His career, though marked by high expectations as the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has faced scrutiny amid comparisons to peers who have excelled. Ayton's performance this season will be crucial, as the Lakers may consider his future based on his contributions and development.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Ayton joined the Lakers for the 2025-26 season.
•He plans to exercise his player option for next season.
•Ayton's role will be crucial next season alongside Luka Doncic.
•He has faced criticism compared to other top picks from 2018.
•The Lakers may evaluate trading him based on his performance.

Latest Updates

9:30 PMYahoo Sports — Ex-Arizona center Deandre Ayton exercises player option to remain with Lakers
4:46 AMYahoo Sports — Deandre Ayton is not going anywhere with his plans of exercising his player option

What they're saying

"
Deandre Ayton is opting to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, though it’s to be seen whether the Lakers will opt to keep with the former Arizona big man. Ayton has exercised his player option to return to the Lakers for a second year, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday. Ayton will make $8.1 million in […]
— Yahoo Sports