Lakers Trade Deandre Ayton to Wizards in Surprising Move Ahead of 2026 Season

After just one season with the Los Angeles Lakers, center Deandre Ayton is being traded to the Washington Wizards. Ayton exercised his player option for the upcoming season but will be sent in exchange for guard Jayden Hardy and two second-round draft picks. This trade could signal further roster changes for the Lakers as they look to reshape their lineup.

Ayton, who started 463 of 470 career games, is expected to become a bench player behind Anthony Davis and Alex Caruso. Last season, he averaged 12.5 points and 8 rebounds per game, marking the lowest stats of his career since being the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Jayden Hardy, who will join the Lakers, earns less than Ayton and holds a team option for next season, offering the Lakers more financial flexibility.

The Lakers are reportedly considering adding forwards Rui Hachimura or Jonathan Kuminga and are also searching for a center on the market, with Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, and Kevon Looney among potential targets.

In related NBA news, former Portland Trail Blazers player Caleb Love signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, allowing him to play both in the NBA and the G League next season. Love averaged 10.4 points over 49 games last season.

This trade and the Lakers' ongoing roster moves highlight their efforts to adjust their team composition ahead of the new season.