How did the Lakers do in trading Deandre Ayton?
The Los Angeles Lakers continued to make moves on Friday in what has already been a busy offseason.
ESPN reports that the Lakers are trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and second-round picks in 2031 and 2032.
The move comes just days after the Lakers traded for Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in exchange for an unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, alongside first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.
Kessler was a restricted free agent, and the Lakers promptly signed him a four-year, $130 million contract.
In acquiring Kessler and giving him that much money, it signified that he would likely be their starting center, pushing Ayton to the bench.
Moving On From Ayton
The Lakers signed Ayton in the 2025 offseason to a two-year deal worth $16.2 million. There was a player option on the second year, which Ayton picked up to remain with the team going into 2026-27. Ayton was bought out by Portland Trail Blazers at the end of the 2025 season, making a free agent.
In his lone season with the Lakers, he played and started in 72 games, averaging 12.5 points, eight rebounds, and 0.8 assists while shooting 67% from the field.
The Lakers needed a big man after Jaxson Hayes was overwhelmed by the combination of Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle in the 2025 playoffs, and Ayton was the best option on the market.
In the 2026 playoffs, Ayton averaged ten points and 9.6 rebounds, but was overwhelmed again in the second round against Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren.
Grading The Trade
Trading for Walker Kessler, and then signing Sandro Mamukelashvili, a power forward who can also play center, was the beginning of the end for Ayton. He was unlikely to be thrilled with a bench role, but he wasn't a better fit next to Luka Doncic than Kessler should be.
Ayton's effort and consistency fluctuated based on the attempts he was getting on the offensive end, but he was more comfortable operating out of the midrange or popping than screening and rolling.
In Jaden Hardy, the Lakers are getting a very good shooter who can create for himself if given the opportunity. He shot 42% from three on six attempts per game with the Wizards. He should get even better looks on a Lakers team with Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The Lakers also added two second round picks, who much be used as trade capital down the line, and if nothing else replinish the Lakers pick chest after the Kessler trade.
Grade For The Lakers - A
