Lakers center Deandre Ayton picks up his player option amid LeBron James speculation

Center Deandre Ayton is picking up his player option for $8.1 million and returning to the Lakers. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)As LeBron James dominated the news cycle regarding his future on the eve of NBA free agency, the Lakers retained a different piece of their lineup.Deandre Ayton is picking up his player option for $8.1 million and returning to the Lakers, according to people not authorized to publicly discuss on decision.The 7-foot Ayton averaged career low in points (12.5), reb