Are the Lakers Better off if Deandre Ayton Picks Up or Declines His Player Option?

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers · Jun 2, 2026 · 23m

The Lakers would like to upgrade at center. That much has been made pretty clear. Certainly Lakers fans would like to see the same thing.

The complicating factor is Deandre Ayton, and his player option for next season. Ayton made about $8 million this year, and will make similar money next year. It's certainly possible he reads the market and decides there's a longer term deal out there, but nobody would be even a little surprised to see Ayton decide his best avenue is to stay in LA and play out the option.

So which one is actually better for the Lakers?

For Ayton non-believers, the answer…