Lakers Trade Deandre Ayton, Focusing on New Star Acquisition

The Los Angeles Lakers are parting ways with Deandre Ayton after just one season, sending the center to the Washington Wizards. In return, the Lakers, according to NBA insider Shams Charania (ESPN), will receive Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks (2031 and 2032).

Ayton played in 72 games for Head Coach JJ Redick's team last season. He initially emerged as a quiet hero in a new role at the start of the season, but criticism of the big man grew throughout the season. On average, he recorded 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in 27.2 minutes.

Just a few days ago, Ayton exercised his $4.1 million player option for the upcoming season. However, shortly after, the Lakers acquired Walker Kessler in a spectacular deal from the Utah Jazz to fulfill Luka Doncic's desire for an 'A-list center'. The addition of Kessler at the latest made Ayton expendable.

After Ayton and Hayes Departures: Lakers Seeking Another Center

With Ayton's departure, it remains open who will be the backup for the new star acquisition. Jaxson Hayes, who was often the first option behind Ayton last year, has already joined the Utah Jazz.

While new addition Sandro Mamukelashvili can also play center, according to Charania's sources, the Lakers will soon be contacting Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, and Kevon Looney to sign another big man. Valanciunas, at least, is reportedly seeking a return to Europe. His trade to the Denver Nuggets nearly fell through last summer. He is still under contract with the Nuggets for the upcoming season and is set to earn ten million dollars, though only two of those are guaranteed.

With Hardy, a young guard comes in exchange for Ayton, who should also fit Doncic's preferred profile. The Slovenian superstar had requested additional shooting around him from GM Rob Pelinka, whose job could be on the line soon, in addition to a new center. Hardy, since being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Wizards, recently shot 42 percent on his six three-pointers per game in 23 contests.

This allows him to fill the role of sharpshooter Luke Kennard, who left the Lakers for the Phoenix Suns in free agency. With Marcus Smart joining the Rockets and Rui Hachimura departing, other key players from last season are also gone.

In return, Pelinka has been busy, securing the services of Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton in addition to Kessler and Mamukelashvili. Thanks to the recent trade, the Lakers actually have a bit more draft capital again. While they still don't control their first-rounders until 2032, they now have second-rounders in 2031 and 2032. This was not the case before due to previous deals.

Sarr, Davis, Young, and Dybantsa: Wizards Aim to Compete

On the other hand, the Wizards' frontcourt is taking shape. Alongside superstar Anthony Davis, who moved to the capital with Hardy in February but hasn't played a minute due to injury, Washington has another promising big in Alex Sarr. Sarr is entering his third NBA year and averaged 16.3 points per game last season.

Ayton will have to share minutes with these two and will likely come off the bench. The Wizards will be aiming for the playoffs next season after years at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

If it's up to AD, they should be competing for a title soon. Besides Sarr and Davis, Trae Young, acquired at the beginning of the year, and top pick AJ Dybantsa are considered major hopes. The youngster is seen as a future superstar.

NBA: Lakers' Previous and Current Transactions This Summer

Signings	Departures
Walker Kessler (Trade)	Marcus Smart (Free Agency)
Sandro Mamukelashvili (Free Agency)	Luke Kennard (Free Agency)
Quentin Grimes (Free Agency)	Jaxson Hayes (Free Agency)
Collin Sexton (Free Agency)	LeBron James (Free Agency)
Cameron Carr (Draft/Trade)	Deandre Ayton (Trade)
Jaden Hardy (Trade)