Deandre Ayton had a chance to rehab his image with the Lakers — and he blew it

The Lakers just got rid of a large problem.

It was 7-feet tall. It weighed 250 pounds. And it was a glaring distraction in the locker room.

So long, Deandre Ayton, whom the Lakers sent to the Wizards on Friday in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks in 2031 and 2032.

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Ayton came to the Lakers in free agency hoping to resuscitate his career after stints in Phoenix and Portland had left his reputation in tatters.

So long, Deandre Ayton, whom the Lakers sent to the Wizards on Friday in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks in 2031 and 2032. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The big man was the prize of the 2018 draft. He was selected by Phoenix as the No. 1 overall pick ahead of Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But instead of reaching his potential in his first seven seasons in the league, Ayton backslid into unanimously being labeled inconsistent and immature by the two franchises for which he played, all but putting a scarlet letter on his forehead.

When Ayton signed with the Lakers in free agency last summer, he had a golden opportunity to start over. 
No one in the NBA gets more attention than the 17-time NBA champions, especially when a guy named LeBron James is on the roster.

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This was his chance to rewrite his narrative.

Careers are defined by the Lakers. One great stint in Los Angeles can wash away all of the dirt of the past. Look at how Marcus Smart redefined himself this season after his career was in a freefall. Look at how Luke Kennard’s stock skyrocketed after a great first-round playoff series with the purple and gold.

Ayton was well aware of the power of the Lakers.

When Ayton signed with the Lakers in free agency last summer, he had a golden opportunity to start over. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“I feel like I’ve just been absent for a little bit in this league,” Ayton said during his introductory press conference with the Lakers last July. “…I want to really just show the world and prove to everybody that I am a winner.”

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The problem?

The same issues reared their ugly head in Los Angeles as the ones…

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Publish date : 2026-07-03 22:57:00

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