It’s only been a year since former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton signed with the Lakers, but his future is once again uncertain as the threat of free agency looms in the background.
With an $8.1 million player option for 2026-27, Ayton has the choice to either opt out and become a free agent or opt in to stay with the team and guarantee nearly $10 million. According to NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin, he’s expected to choose the latter, and it will make things very interesting in Los Angeles this summer.
Before free agency had even begun, things were moving fast. Not long after the Thunder won the Finals, the Lakers re-signed Austin Reaves and then selected Cameron Carr in the draft. Still, there is much work to be done, and Ayton’s place in the picture is still unclear. By opting in and avoiding free agency, he would buy himself time to secure a bigger deal, but it wouldn’t mean he’d stay with the Purple and Gold.
As LeBron James is left waiting on his own contract offer, the Lakers have vowed to do everything they can to build around Luka Doncic, and he’s made it clear what he’s looking for: consistent shooting and premium rim protection. It was a clear message that bringing Ayton back would not be enough, despite being exactly what the Lakers need on paper. At 27, he’s just entering his prime and is coming off a modest statistical season, with averages of 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game on 67.1% shooting from the field. At 7’0″ and 250+ pounds, Ayton (in theory) provides that crucial size and rim protection the Lakers have been looking for.
In practice, however, Ayton isn’t reliable enough to be the permanent answer at center. He’s known to check out at times, and his careless play can often cost his team at critical moments. Overall, his game is too limited, and his production too inconsistent for Doncic to feel comfortable having him as the permanent starting center.
So, unless Ayton is willing to accept a bench role, opting in would make a trade all but inevitable, only adding to their growing list of things to do this summer. On the bright side, however, it would give them another way to reshape the roster around Doncic. Even with his underwhelming history, Ayton would still generate a lot of interest on the market, especially with his affordable salary of $8.1 million.
A team like the Clippers makes sense if they’re willing to offer Derrick Jones Jr. The Lakers could also try sending Ayton to the Nets for two-way swingman Terance Mann, but it would eat up some of their precious cap space. Finally, there’s the Warriors, a team that’s currently on the market for frontcourt depth. They can send Moses Moody (or a similar role player) for Ayton, adding size and depth at a position they’ve lacked for years.
Ultimately, it’s anyone’s guess where Ayton will end up, but there is a world where he remains a Laker. If GM Rob Pelinka fails to find a good trade or is unable to find a viable replacement, he may have no choice but to welcome him back next season. The best scenario for everyone would be if Ayton vows to be effective behind whoever the Lakers find to fill the starting center spot.
