Lakers Encouraged to Move On From $16 Million Frontcourt ‘Disappointment’

The Los Angeles Lakers have been urged to move on from center Deandre Ayton, who is earning $16 million and was considered a disappointment during an inconsistent first season in LA. The team was eliminated in a second-round sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder, prompting significant offseason questions. The futures of LeBron James and Austin Reaves, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent, are also uncertain heading into the summer of 2026.