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By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
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Veteran center Deandre Ayton is opting into his $8.1 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, returning for his second season with the historic NBA franchise in 2026-27.
This decision comes amid swirling rumors about the future of LeBron James, who's yet to re-sign with the Lakers. The Golden State Warriors are pursuing James and his former Los Angeles teammate Anthony Davis in free agency, according to a report from NBA insider Kevin O'Connor on Sunday evening.
Ayton signed with the Lakers in free agency before the 2025-26 NBA season — penning a two-year $16.2 million deal with a second-year option. He gave up $10 million of his $35.6 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers in order to reach a buyout agreement and join the Lakers.
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In his first year with Los Angeles, the former No. 1 overall pick averaged 12.5 points and eight rebounds per game — marking the first season of his eight-year NBA career in which he did not average a double-double.
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Ayton averaged 11.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game in the Lakers' first-round playoff series win over the Houston Rockets. His production took a dip in their second-round playoff sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
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In addition to Ayton, the Lakers also secured Austin Reaves on a massive four-year, $185 million max deal earlier this offseason.
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