Lakers cutting ties with former No. 1 overall pick in trade with Wizards

The Los Angeles Lakers are cutting ties with a former No. 1 overall pick via a trade with the Washington Wizards.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Lakers are trading center Deandre Ayton to the Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks.

"Just in: The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two Wizards second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, sources tell ESPN," Charania reported.

Why Lakers are trading Deandre Ayton

Ayton started 72 games for the Lakers last year and was fine, averaging 12.5 points and 8 rebounds per game. However, it was clear that Los Angeles needed to find an upgrade over the top pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and they've done so this offseason with the addition of Walker Kessler.

Kessler is a much better fit at the center spot for Los Angeles than Ayton. Due to his stout rim protection and ability to throw down lobs at a high level, Kessler is a perfect fit with Luke Doncic.

The Kessler acquisition and the late-season rise of Jaxson Hayes have made Ayton the odd man out in the Lakers' center rotation, and President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka has now traded the former Phoenix Sun for some draft capital and Hardy, who played with Doncic during their time with the Dallas Mavericks.

Hardy should add extra depth in the backcourt, and his excellent perimeter shooting could earn him a role in JJ Redick's rotation in 2026.

It's been an active offseason in Los Angeles, and I doubt the franchise is done making moves. We'll see what comes next.