The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to have Deandre Ayton back for the 2026-27 season.
According to Basketball Talk’s Kurt Helin, Ayton is expected to exercise his player option, keeping him with the Lakers for at least one more year. The move provides Los Angeles with continuity in the frontcourt as the franchise continues shaping its roster for another playoff push.
Ayton joined the Lakers looking to provide size, rebounding, and interior scoring, and his return gives the team an experienced presence in the paint. While exercising his option keeps him under contract, it does not necessarily end speculation surrounding his future, as the Lakers could still explore roster moves throughout the offseason.
For now, however, Ayton appears set to remain in purple and gold as Los Angeles prepares for the 2026-27 campaign.
