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Deandre Ayton Shocks NBA, Picks Up $8.1M Lakers Option
Deandre Ayton Is Staying with the Los Angeles Lakers
What Just Happened?
The Los Angeles Lakers just got some pretty good news. Deandre Ayton, the team’s center, has decided he’s staying put for at least one more season. He’s choosing to play the 2026-27 season with the Lakers by "opting into" his player option worth $8.1 million.
Now, you might be wondering: Why is this a big deal? Stick with me — it actually tells a really cool story about a player rebuilding his career.
Who Is Deandre Ayton?
Think of Deandre Ayton as a really talented basketball player who was once the top pick in the entire NBA draft. That means when he entered the league, every team wanted him, and the Phoenix Suns got to pick him first.
Here’s his journey in simple steps:
- Phoenix Suns (First 5 seasons): Ayton started his career here and showed real promise as a big, dominant center.
- Portland Trail Blazers (2 seasons): He was traded to Portland, but things didn’t quite work out the way everyone hoped.
- Los Angeles Lakers (Most recently): He signed with the Lakers last summer to try to prove he still belongs among the NBA’s best.
Ayton is 28 years old this summer — that’s right in the sweet spot for a basketball player’s prime years.
Why Did Ayton originally leave Portland? (The Smart Move)
Here’s where things get really interesting. Ayton made a bold financial decision to get a fresh start.
Let’s break it down:
- Ayton was making $35.6 million with the Portland Trail Blazers.
- He gave up $10 million of that contract — yes, you read that right, $10 million — so Portland would release him in what’s called a buyout.
- In return, he got to become a free agent and sign with the Lakers.
His New Lakers Contract:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Total deal | 2 years, $16.2 million |
| Second year | Player option (his choice to stay or go) |
| His decision | He’s staying for Year 2 = $8.1 million |
So why would anyone give up $10 million?
Because Ayton believed that by playing for the Lakers — one of the most famous and high-profile teams in all of sports — he could:
- Prove he’s still an elite-level player
- Get lots of attention and exposure
- Rebuild his reputation and market value
- Position himself for a much bigger contract in the future
Important Point: Sometimes, taking a short-term financial hit can set you up for a much bigger payoff down the road. Ayton bet on himself that playing well in Los Angeles would pay off — literally.
How Did Ayton Perform with the Lakers?
So the big question is: Did the gamble work so far?
The answer looks like a pretty solid yes.
Regular Season Stats:
- 12.5 points per game
- 8.0 rebounds per game
- 67.1% shooting (that’s really, really efficient — it means he made nearly 7 out of every 10 shots he took)
Playoff Stats:
- 10.0 points per game
- 9.6 rebounds per game
- He had a particularly strong performance helping the Lakers knock out the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.
What Do These Numbers Mean?
Rebounding (grabbing the ball after a missed shot) averaging 8 to 9.6 per game is strong. Shooting 67.1% is outstanding — centers who score close to the basket can be very efficient, and Ayton proved he can finish when his teammates get him the ball.
Basically, Ayton showed the Lakers (and the rest of the league) that he can still be a dominant force in the paint.
Why Is He Opting In?
By choosing to stay for the second year of his contract ($8.1 million), Ayton is essentially saying:
- "I’m happy here."
- "I believe in what we’re building in Los Angeles."
- "I’ll keep showing up and keep proving myself."
It also gives him stability and another year to keep his momentum going. If he plays well again next season, he could enter free agency after that with an even stronger resume.
Summary
Here’s the big picture:
- Deandre Ayton was the former No. 1 overall NBA draft pick who went through some bumpy years in Phoenix and Portland.
- Last summer, he sacrificed $10 million from his Portland contract to buy himself out and sign with the Los Angeles Lakers — a much more prominent team.
- He signed a 2-year, $16.2 million deal with a player option on the second year.
- Through his regular season and playoff performances (including a strong finish against the Houston Rockets), he showed he’s still a very capable center.
- He has now opted into his $8.1 million player option to remain with the Lakers for the 2026-27 season.
- His gamble to join a high-profile team appears to be paying off so far, both for his career and his future earning potential.
FAQ
1. What does "opting into a player option" mean?
It means a player has a choice in their contract: they can either stay with the team for the agreed salary or become a free agent and sign elsewhere. Ayton chose to stay with the Lakers for the $8.1 million.
2. What is a buyout?
A buyout is when a team and a player agree to part ways early. The player usually gives up some of their guaranteed salary (in Ayton’s case, $10 million), and in return, they become a free agent who can sign with any team they want.
3. Why did Ayton leave the Portland Trail Blazers?
Things didn’t work out as planned in Portland. Ayton wanted a fresh start on a bigger stage where he could play a key role, and the Lakers offered him that opportunity — even though it meant taking less money.
4. How well did Ayton perform with the Lakers?
Very well! He averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds during the regular season while shooting an impressive 67.1%. In the playoffs, he stepped up his rebounding to 9.6 per game and helped the Lakers eliminate the Houston Rockets.
5. What could happen next for Ayton?
If he keeps performing at a high level with the Lakers, he could become a highly sought-after free agent in the future and potentially land a much bigger, longer contract — making his initial financial sacrifice well worth it.
