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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 5: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball while being defended by Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 5, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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 2026-27.
In his first season with the Lakers, the 28-year-old Ayton averaged 12.5 points and 8 rebounds per game over 72 regular season games. Ayton’s scoring and rebounding averages were the lowest of his career.
Ayton played well in the Lakers’ NBA playoffs first round win over the Houston Rockets, posting three double-doubles but struggled in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While it was expected that Ayton would opt in to his player option, the Lakers may decide they’re better off trading him and finding a new starting center. Ayton’s salary puts him at good value for teams in need of a reliable big man.
Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, played his first five seasons with the Phoenix Suns, followed by two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
In his one season at Arizona (2017-18), Ayton earned Pac-12 Player of the Year and Consensus First Team All-American honors.
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