The Los Angeles Lakers continue reshaping their roster ahead of the upcoming season. According to ESPN, the Los Angeles franchise has reached an agreement with the Washington Wizards to trade center Deandre Ayton.
In return, the Lakers will receive young shooting guard Jaden Hardy, along with two second-round draft picks from 2031 and 2032, both owned by Washington.
The move represents a change of direction for the Lakers' frontcourt, who just days after acquiring Ayton have decided to part ways with the Bahamian big man to strengthen their perimeter with a prospect and add assets for future operations.
Hardy, 24, has seen playing time in the NBA over recent seasons, standing out for his scoring ability and offensive potential. His arrival offers a new option for the California team's wing rotation.
Meanwhile, Washington acquires a physically elite center in Deandre Ayton, with the intention of strengthening their interior game and adding experience to a project still in the midst of a rebuild.
The trade once again confirms that the Lakers remain very active in the market and that the final configuration of their roster for the 2026-27 season is still far from being finalized.