After a rollercoaster season from the former No. 1 pick, Deandre Ayton’s time in Los Angeles is officially over. Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers have traded him to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks.
Lakers Trade Deandre Ayton to Wizards for Jaden Hardy, Picks
In a polarizing 72 games, the 7-footer averaged 12.5 points 8.0 rebounds and a block per game while shooting 67.1% from the field. Flashes of double-double dominance were often countered with inconsistency and immaturity. That led the Lakers to reopen their search for a true answer at center—which they received Wednesday with the addition of Walker Kessler.
With Ayton out the door, the Lakers now have to determine who will back up Kessler this season. Initial reports have linked them to a familiar face in Andre Drummond, who played for LA in 2021. The two-time All-Star is coming off a decent stretch with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he put up 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds in 63 games (25 starts). Jonas Valanciunas, who the Lakers previously eyed from afar, is another option, according to Charania. In 65 games with Denver, he averaged 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 58.2% shooting.
The Lakers will now focus on finding Walker Kessler's backup on the market — with centers such as Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas and Kevon Looney among those being considered, sources said.
The Wizards took a patient approach to the start of free agency and now land a… https://t.co/3GEA9Wx7gY
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2026
Ayton Trade Further Compounds Lakers’ Frontcourt
Although Hardy gives LA another offensive-minded guard (9.2 PPG on 42.4% FG and 39.7% 3PT) and the Lakers receive some much-needed draft capital, they still have yet to address the wing position—their final piece of the puzzle this summer. Former Warriors and Hawks forward Jonathan Kumiga has received “strong consideration,” according to The Athletic, and could help LA as an athletic wing who is trying to regain his footing in the league. On the other hand, a pathway for Rui Hachimura’s return is essentially impossible at this point, barring another money-saving move from president/GM Rob Pelinka.
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