Deandre Ayton Picking Up $8.1 Million Player Option Angers Lakers Fans – “Bro Thinks He Is Gonna Get Playing Time”

Deandre Ayton will opt into player option for 2026-27 season to return to Lakers.

Deandre Ayton Picking Up $8.1 Million Player Option Angers Lakers Fans – “Bro Thinks He Is Gonna Get Playing Time”

Deandre Ayton (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Deandre Ayton did not have the best of a 2025-26 campaign for the Los Angeles Lakers. After spending two seasons playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton was traded to the Lakers in the offseason last year on a two-year, $16.6 million contract.

Drafted by the Phoenix Suns as the number one pick in the 2018 NBA draft, there were a lot of expectations surrounding the 7-foot center. While he did play an important role when the Suns reached the NBA Finals in 2021, many have labeled him as “soft” and questioned his dominance in the paint.

With one day to go before the teams can officially talk to free agents, it has been confirmed that Ayton will not be a free agent this year. The Lakers center has an $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign, and he has reportedly decided to exercise that option.

NBA insider Shams Charania was the first to report on Ayton’s new deal with the Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton is opting into his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season, sources tell ESPN.

Shams Charania on X

After losing in the first round of the playoffs last year, it was clear that the Lakers lack a dominant presence in the paint. To solve the issue, the Lakers traded for Deandre Ayton which was backed by Luka Doncic. The move was questioned by many, but Ayton was determined to prove himself.

In his first season for the Lakers, Ayton averaged 12.5 points, eight rebounds, and one block in 72 appearances. He lacked consistency and faced criticism throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Hence, many believed that the Lakers would not sign the 27-year-old for next season but it looks like the front office have decided to stick with the center for one more year.

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Fans react to Deandre Ayton exercising the player option on his Lakers contract

The Lakers are coming off a second-round exit in the playoffs this year. While they did not have their primary player in Luka Doncic for the playoffs, Deandre Ayton was expected to step up and help LeBron James. Unfortunately, he struggled in the postseason and failed to deliver any big performances.

After the news of Ayton opting in for one more season with the Lakers went viral, Lakers fans did not waste any time in expressing their opinions across social media.

Fans were not so delighted with the news, but some believe that his contract for $8.1 million is a good deal. But if the Lakers are to contend for the title, they will need a better center to lead them.

Marcus Smart declines his player option with the Lakers

While Deandre Ayton opted into his player option, Marcus Smart declined the option and will be a free agent in the offseason. Smart joins LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes as free agents.

Marcus Smart
Marcus Smart (Image via Ritmo NBA/X)

Shams Charania reported that the former Boston Celtics player declined his $5.4 million player option with the Lakers.

Lakers guard Marcus Smart has declined his $5.4 million player option and will become a free agent, sources tell ESPN.

Shams Charania on X

Smart put in some good performances on both ends of the court in the postseason this year. It is rumored that he will sign a three-year deal with the Houston Rockets in the coming days.

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