Lakers trade Deandre Ayton to the Wizards for Jaden Hardy, draft picks

The Los Angeles Lakers traded center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks, covering 2031 and 2032, according to people not authorized to speak publicly confirmed to The Times. Ayton had picked up his $8.1 million player option on Sunday, but the move reflected the Lakers’ roster shift after they acquired 24-year-old center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade valued at four years and $130 million. The Lakers are expected to look for a backup center, with options including Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas and Kevon Looney still available. Ayton joined Los Angeles last season after the Portland Trail Blazers bought out his contract, and he averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in 72 games while shooting 67.1% from the field. Washington views Ayton, at 7 feet, as a fit alongside Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr. Hardy, 6-3, posted 9.2 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists while shooting 42.4% overall and 39.7% from three.