The Lakers establish their starting center spot in returning the former No. 1 overall pick to L.A.
The Los Angeles Lakers checked off one of their most important offseason items without making a move in free agency.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Deandre Ayton has exercised his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season, bringing back their starting center as they continue building around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves while awaiting LeBron James' decision on his future.
What Ayton's Return Brings
Ayton's decision represents more than simply another player returning.
It gives L.A. stability at a position that became one of the franchise's biggest questions since sending Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Dončić.
For years, Davis anchored the Lakers' defense while providing elite rim protection, rebounding and interior scoring.
Replacing that production was never going to fall on one player, but the Lakers knew they needed a reliable starting center to complement Dončić.
That search led them to Ayton.
Deandre Ayton (5) reacts on the court after a three-point basket by guard Marcus Smart (36) in the first half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.Coming to the Lakers
After agreeing to a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers last summer, the former No. 1 overall pick signed with L.A. and immediately stepped into the starting lineup.
While he wasn't asked to be a featured scorer, Ayton embraced his role as a screen-setter, rim runner and rim protector.
Ayton played and started in 72 games in his first season with the Lakers, which is the most games in his career, posting 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting a career-high 67.1% from the field.
Ayton also delivered the consistency the Lakers were looking for.
While his offensive numbers were the lowest of his career, that had more to do with opportunity than effectiveness.
Surrounded by high-usage scorers such as Dončić, Reaves and James, Ayton focused on doing the little things that helped the Lakers win—setting screens, finishing efficiently, controlling the glass and protecting the paint.
Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball as center Deandre Ayton (5) provides coverage against Boston Celtics guard Baylor Scheierman (55) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. His importance became even more apparent during the playoffs.
Ayton provided the Lakers with a physical interior presence throughout their first-round victory over the Houston Rockets before helping the team reach the Western Conference Semifinals.
Financially, his return is equally significant. He pretty much outplayed his bargain contract with the Lakers.
Ayton's $8.1 million salary is well below what many starting-caliber centers earn, giving the Lakers one of the better values at the position while preserving cap flexibility to continue improving the roster this offseason.
Deandre Ayton (5) dunks against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center.The 27-year-old also enters next season with added motivation.
Because he opted into the final year of his contract, Ayton will become an unrestricted free agent next summer, allowing him to earn another long-term deal if he builds upon his first season in L.A.
Now the Lakers secure their starting big man, for now barring any trade, and await James' fate.
