Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton could reportedly opt out of his contract to look for a bigger payday.
Los Angeles Lakers key center Deandre Ayton's future with the team is reportedly uncertain for next season.
Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule
According to The Athletic, Ayton could opt out of his $8.1 million player option for next season.
"Ayton, who certainly played to his $8.1 million contract this season, had a strong first-round series against Houston All-Star Alperen Sengun. He could opt out to try to find a bigger payday with the Lakers or elsewhere," The Athletic reports.
Meanwhile, Ayton himself says he is not focused on his 2026-27 player option and is trusting his agents to handle his future with the Los Angeles Lakers.
"I don't know, I trust my agents, you know. That's about it," he said after the Game 4 loss to the Thunder. "I really don't think too much about that. That's really out of my hands, but, you know, I love it here regardless. The fans and everybody that have been around me, the coaching staff, they really treat me well and they treat me like family."
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
Ayton was steady during the regular season on paper. He played 72 games and averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds, shooting a strong 67.1 percent from the field.
But his impact in the playoffs has become a talking point.
In the last game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which the Lakers lost 115-110, Ayton finished with only 6 points and 3 rebounds in 21 minutes. His presence was limited on both ends, and the Lakers needed more inside production.
At the same time, backup center Jaxson Hayes made a stronger impact, scoring 18 points in 27 minutes and giving Los Angeles more energy in the paint.
Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.