Lakers trade Deandre Ayton to Wizards for Jaden Hardy and draft picks
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 3, 2026, 6:00 PM
Last updated Jul 3, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers have traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks in 2031 and 2032. This move follows the Lakers' acquisition of Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, raising questions about their big man depth. Ayton's departure leaves the Lakers seeking additional center options, with Andre Drummond being a potential target. The trade was officially announced on July 3, 2026.
- •Lakers trade Deandre Ayton to Wizards for Jaden Hardy and draft picks.
- •Walker Kessler's acquisition raises big man position questions.
- •Lakers previously lost Jaxson Hayes to free agency.
- •Andre Drummond mentioned as a potential fit for Lakers' center needs.
- 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — Lakers Trade Deandre Ayton, Creating Big Man Questions
"The Los Angeles Lakers are trading away center Deandre Ayton, raising questions about who they'll bring in to play alongside Walker Kessler. The post Lakers Trade Deandre Ayton, Creating Big Man Questions appeared first on LA Sports Report.
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