Deandre Ayton is expected to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2026-27 season by exercising his $8.1 million player option, according to NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin. The decision would keep the veteran center in Los Angeles as the franchise continues searching for frontcourt upgrades around franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic.
Helin reported Saturday that “it’s no secret the Lakers are looking to upgrade at center,” while adding that Ayton is expected to pick up his option and return. Ayton, who turns 28 next month, would remain under contract on one of the league’s more team-friendly deals for a starting-caliber center.
Ayton was a reliable presence during his first season with the Lakers. He appeared in 72 games, starting every contest while averaging 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 block in 27.2 minutes per game. He also led the NBA’s regular rotation players in field-goal percentage at 67.1%, converting most of his opportunities as a screener, rim runner and finisher.
His production complemented an offense led by Doncic, who averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 64 games while finishing fourth in MVP voting. Austin Reaves enjoyed the best season of his career with 23.3 points and 5.5 assists per game, while LeBron James remained highly productive in his age-41 season, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds.
The Lakers finished 53-29, won the Pacific Division and earned the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference before eliminating the Houston Rockets in the first round. Their postseason ended abruptly, however, as the Oklahoma City Thunder swept Los Angeles in four games during the conference semifinals.
That playoff exit has intensified the organization’s search for additional size. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Doncic has communicated that adding a high-level center is a priority, although he has not been directly involved in recruiting players or shaping personnel decisions.
Keeping Ayton does not necessarily change that approach. His modest $8.1 million salary gives the Lakers flexibility to pursue another impact big man while retaining a proven starter. Reports have linked Los Angeles to centers such as Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler, both of whom would provide greater interior defense and rebounding alongside Doncic.
