Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton is exercising his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season, keeping him under contract with the team for that campaign.
Ayton’s decision provides clarity on his contract status as the Lakers continue shaping their roster. The veteran big man will remain tied to Los Angeles through the option year after choosing to pick up the final year available to him.
Smart Declines Player Option
Marcus Smart is taking a different route, declining his $5.4 million player option for the 2026-27 season. The move makes Smart’s contract situation distinct from Ayton’s as both players faced option decisions.
The Lakers now have Ayton’s salary locked in for 2026-27, while Smart will not exercise his option for that season. No additional roster moves were announced in connection with the decisions.