Deandre Ayton Reaches Decision on $8 Million Player Option: Report
· Yahoo Sports
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton, a player who was massively inconsistent in the 2025-2026 season, has a player opt-in for the upcoming season, and his decision is one of many dominoes that impact the offseason.
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Ayon’s player opt-in is for $8 million, a figure that actually represents some value in a dry market for centers, as the Lakers are learning.
LA has made it no secret that they want to upgrade at the starting center position, improving on Ayton.
However, with a few quality centers who fit an archetype that works with the Lakers’ core pieces, the picture is already looking bleak compared to fans’ hopes at the end of the season.
Dec 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (left) and head coach JJ Redick against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesAfter the latest reporting from NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin, it seems that, at least for now, Ayton will factor into the picture of the Lakers’ center plans.
“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),” Helin wrote in a story.
The decision is somewhat surprising but not totally. Ayton averaged 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists, which is pretty good production on the surface.
Standing at seven feet at just 27 years old, it would be assumed that he could reasonably double his current $8 million player option.
The truth is much more complicated — he has a hot/cold motor, which has led head coach JJ Redick to bench him late in games at times.
Also, there are few situations better than having two All-Star caliber guards feeding a big man as the focus point in the paint.
Teams may be hesitant to pay such an inconsistent player who will likely find himself in a less optimal spot.
Dec 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (left) and head coach JJ Redick against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesHow does Ayton impact the Lakers’ plans?
It is reasonable to question whether the Lakers will trade Ayton. He could command a reasonable price on the trade market and give the team assets for a bigger deal down the line.
Unless things really go wrong, Ayton will likely return in a backup role. Since he is a hard player to keep engaged even as a starter, a bench role for next season is a scary proposition for the Lakers, even if, in theory, it would be quite tantalizing.
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