Center Deandre Ayton exercised his player option, locking in $8.1 million for the 2026‑27 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. The move follows a buyout with Portland that shaved $10 million off his $35.6 million contract, a gamble aimed at reviving his market value in a high‑profile starting role.

Ayton posted 12.5 points on 67.1% shooting and eight rebounds per game during the regular season, then nudged his averages to 10.0 points and 9.6 rebounds in the playoffs. His production helped the Lakers close the first‑round series against Houston, reinforcing his importance as a rim protector and second‑chance scorer.

At 28, Ayton enters his third year with Los Angeles after stints in Phoenix and Portland. The option secures his roster spot while the team evaluates whether his consistent interior presence can translate into deeper postseason runs, a question that will dominate roster discussions this summer.