# Are the Lakers Better off if Deandre Ayton Picks Up or Declines His Player Option?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-lakers-daily-podcast-on-the-los-angeles-lakers-174397/are-the-lakers-better-off-if-deandre-ayton-picks-up-or-declines-his-player-option
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-lakers-daily-podcast-on-the-los-angeles-lakers-174397/are-the-lakers-better-off-if-deandre-ayton-picks-up-or-declines-his-player-option.md
Podcast: [Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-lakers-daily-podcast-on-the-los-angeles-lakers-174397)
Published: 2026-06-02T21:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-lakers/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/eb23db/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/c593713c-dc78-452c-bfcd-8dced052a6fd/episodes/5c9dbd86-36cf-4aee-8918-fe3301f54702/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=c593713c-dc78-452c-bfcd-8dced052a6fd&awEpisodeId=5c9dbd86-36cf-4aee-8918-fe3301f54702&feed=x50dM5D_
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Duration seconds: 1399

## Resource

The Lakers would like to upgrade at center. That much has been made pretty clear. Certainly Lakers fans would like to see the same thing. The complicating factor is Deandre Ayton, and his player option for next season. Ayton made about $8 million this year, and will make similar money next year. It's certainly possible he reads the market and decides there's a longer term deal out there, but nobody would be even a little surprised to see Ayton decide his best avenue is to stay in LA and play out the option. So which one is actually better for the Lakers? For Ayton non-believers, the answer might be trickier than you think. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky with Deondre Hawkins of 710 ESPN Los Angeles Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com. Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. DoorDash From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long. Quo Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus ge…

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