The Los Angeles Lakers win no matter what Deandre Ayton decides to do with his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season. They will happily take the additional money to spend in free agency if he opts out. Most expect him to opt in, but the Lakers are ready to move on. This appears to be the downside scenario, but it just gives Rob Pelinka and the front office an expiring contract to trade.
The Lakers want to retool their roster around Luka Doncic this offseason. They are searching for shooting and defense to surround their superstar. Doncic led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024 using this blueprint, but it won’t be easy to replicate. Los Angeles needs a center upgrade and to acquire multiple 3-and-D wings. Those are tough pieces to land.
The Lakers will have an avenue to upgrade, no matter what Ayton decides to do. The former number one overall draft pick is not expected to return next season. It is up to Ayton to decide if he wants to take less money to choose his next team or get paid and traded.
The Lakers win no matter what Deandre Ayton chooses
LA has Jarred Vanderbilt making $12.4 million next season. If Ayton opts in, that would give the franchise $20.5 million of matching salary in a trade. The Lakers have three tradeable first-round picks on draft night. That could be the perfect combination to land a difference-making wing or the lob threat Luka has been asking for since he arrived in Tinseltown.
Doncic led the NBA in scoring for the second time in three years, but his playmaking numbers dipped from his 2024 peak. He is arguably the best pick-and-roll creator in the world, but Ayton isn’t the ideal roll man. He was tenth in possessions per game and scored 1.24 points per, which was in the top 30 percent, during the regular season. The efficiency dipped to 0.86 in the playoffs with Doncic injured.
The Lakers need a defensive upgrade at the five, too. Getting a rim protector that can match up against Victor Wembanyama is a must. Ayton was not the answer against Chet Holmgren. Wemby would play DominAyton off the floor. LA’s path goes through Oklahoma City and San Antonio for years to come. The Lakers desperately need someone who can match up against these generational big men.
Los Angeles faces a summer of change. Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes, and Maxi Kleber are all unrestricted free agents. Marcus Smart has a player option to decide on, like Ayton. The Lakers want to build a serious title contender around Luka. That means upgrading their roster and bringing back the right pieces. It is certainly easier said than done.
The Los Angeles Lakers win no matter what Deandre Ayton decides to do with his player option. He either becomes an unrestricted free agent or a trade chip. The purple and gold have the money to use in free agency or via trade. Either way, fans should expect Rob Pelinka to upgrade their roster using Ayton’s salary. It is up to the big man to decide how.
Add us as a preferred source on Google