Lakers-Wizards Trade
Lakers Continue Offseason Reshape, Trading Ayton to Wizards for Guard Jaden Hardy and Future Picks
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Key Points
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Hardy has two years and $12 million left on his contract; the Lakers will hold a team option for the 2027-28 season.
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The Wizards will send two second-round picks to the Lakers in 2031 and 2032 as part of the deal, adding draft-capital for future trades.
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Ayton’s playoff contribution with the Lakers included 10.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per game on 54.8% shooting over 10 games (about 28.5 minutes per game).
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During his Wizards stint, Jaden Hardy posted averages around 12.6 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, while shooting 44.3% overall and 39.7% from three across 23 games (about 20.4 minutes per game).
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The Lakers are reportedly eyeing backup centers such as Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, and Kevon Looney to pair with Walker Kessler as part of their frontcourt plans.
The Los Angeles Lakers have traded center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for guard Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks, according to Yahoo Sports. The deal comes just days after the Lakers signed Walker Kessler in a separate move, making Ayton expendable in Los Angeles.
Ayton, who shot 67.1% from the field and averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in 72 regular-season games, had been reduced to a bench role after the Kessler signing. The Wizards now add a veteran center to back up young star Alex Sarr, per Arizona Sports.
Ayton Demoted After Lakers Land Walker Kessler
The Lakers signed Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade just before moving Ayton. That deal cost Los Angeles their 2031 and 2033 first-round picks, sent to Utah. Ayton had no clear role left after Kessler arrived, so the Lakers shopped him quickly, according to Yahoo Sports.
Ayton's playoff run with LA showed real value. He posted 10.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per game on 54.8% shooting across 10 postseason games. But frontcourt depth forced the Lakers' hand. Moving Ayton clears a path for Kessler as the starting center heading into next season.
Wizards Get a Veteran Anchor Behind Alex Sarr
Washington needed frontcourt help after Marvin Bagley's departure. Ayton steps right into that backup center role behind Sarr, the Wizards' young cornerstone. The Wizards get an experienced big man who can score efficiently and grab boards without asking for heavy minutes, per Arizona Sports.
In his lone season with the Lakers, Ayton shot 67.1% from the field during the regular season. His size and efficiency make him a strong fit next to Sarr, who is still developing. Washington adds low-risk veteran depth without giving up a key asset.
Hardy Returns to Lakers With Two Years and $12 Million Left
Jaden Hardy, 23, gives Los Angeles a young guard with scoring upside. During his time in Washington, he averaged 12.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game across 23 games. He shot 44.3% overall and 39.7% from three, per Yahoo Sports. The Lakers hold a team option on his contract for the 2027-28 season.
Hardy has two years and $12 million remaining on his deal. He previously played alongside Luka Doncic in Dallas, a reunion that now connects him to LeBron James and the Lakers' backcourt mix. Los Angeles also picks up two second-round picks from Washington — in 2031 and 2032 — adding future trade chips.
Lakers Still Searching for a Second Big Man Up Front
The Ayton trade leaves the Lakers thin behind Kessler. Los Angeles is eyeing backup centers on the free-agent market. Names like Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, and Kevon Looney are all on their radar, according to Yahoo Sports. The team wants a veteran big who can share the frontcourt load.
The Lakers gave up two first-round picks to get Kessler and received two second-round picks back from Washington. That net loss of first-round capital is a real cost. But the front office is betting that Kessler, still just 23, is worth the price of reshaping the roster around him this offseason.
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