Lakers trade Deandre Ayton to Wizards

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and the Wizards’ 2031 and 2032 second-round picks, according to ESPN.

Following the deal, the Lakers are expected to continue searching for a backup center behind Walker Kessler.

League sources say Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, and Kevon Looney are among the veterans under consideration.

For Washington, the move comes after a patient start to free agency.

The Wizards add a dependable and durable center in Ayton, who is expected to strengthen a frontcourt that already features Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr.

The Lakers will now focus on finding Walker Kessler's backup on the market — with centers such as Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas and Kevon Looney among those being considered, sources said.

The Wizards took a patient approach to the start of free agency and now land a… https://t.co/3GEA9Wx7gY

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2026