Staying with the Lakers! Report: Ayton Expected to Exercise $8.1 Million Player Option, Potentially Hindering L.A.'s Center Upgrade

On June 28, Beijing time, last summer Ayton signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Lakers, with the second year being an $8.1 million player option. The Lakers had hoped he would decline the option to enter free agency this summer, freeing up cap space to acquire a stronger center. However, things have not gone as planned. According to NBC Sports senior reporter Kurt Helin, sources indicate that Ayton will exercise this player option and remain with the Lakers for the upcoming season.

In an article analyzing the Lakers' interest in centers like Mitchell Robinson and Gafford, Helin added a key note in parentheses: "The Lakers' desire to upgrade at center is an open secret (notably, Ayton is expected to exercise his player option and stay with the team)."

Ayton exercising his option will put real salary pressure on the Lakers. His $8.1 million salary will directly consume roughly $50 million of the Lakers' free-agent cap space, a figure already squeezed by various cap holds and rookie contracts. Simply retaining a few preferred incumbents would rapidly drain the available cap room.

The Lakers have a long list of players they wish to re-sign: Smart is expected to decline his option and test free agency, and the Lakers want to keep him; Kennard, Hachimura, and James are also on the team's re-signing list, and even backup center Hayes is someone the Lakers hope to retain. Earlier, the Lakers had already locked down Reaves with a four-year, $185 million max contract.

However, Ayton is not on the Lakers' must-keep list. The league generally believes that with quality centers scarce and many teams having ample mid-level exception money, Ayton would have declined his option to seek a new deal. Previously, U.S. media predicted he could sign a two-year, $24 million free-agent contract.

U.S. media reports that since Ayton's decision to stay is essentially a done deal, the Lakers must face reality and quickly explore trade options to move him.