There was a lot of cautious optimism around the idea of Deandre Ayton being a good backup center for the Los Angeles Lakers following their acquisition of Walker Kessler to start the free agency frenzy. Those thoughts were quickly nullified when the Lakers traded last year’s starting center to the Washington Wizards faster than most could even sit with the concept of second-string Ayton.
Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks were on their way to Los Angeles. Even with some of the alternatives for a backup being lackluster, the Lakers made a clear statement of preferring to take their chances with those guys as opposed to Ayton.
When Collin Sexton sat down with the media for the first time since signing, there were dots that could be connected to help explain exiling the former first overall pick. The new Lakers guard revealed the type of vision JJ Redick and Rob Pelinka had for the new roster. It is easy to understand why Ayton may not have been the best fit after hearing those comments.
”They want to be able to compete in all aspects on the defensive side but also on the offensive side. Just being able to change the pace of the game whenever it’s needed.”
Deandre Ayton’s effort problems made him a poor fit with Lakers’ new vision
Have you or someone you know been personally victimized by watching a lackadaisical effort from Ayton as your starting center? You are not alone. Unfortunately, there will be no compensation. The experience just comes with a sigh of relief upon its conclusion.
Plenty of Lakers fans can find comfort in seeing Ayton depart for the reason of not needing to watch the plays where he looks lost or disinterested. To some capacity, the actual franchise may quietly feel the same way.
Hardy is a solid NBA pro to receive in return. However, the Lakers guard may not even truly be a regular fixture in the rotation for next season if a young guy like Cameron Carr has anything to say about it. The former Wizard could just be an insurance policy for the depth of the team.
That is who the Lakers traded Ayton for. Being content to let your former starter go for a possible end of rotation option and a couple of second-round picks is a pretty telling sign of how that player was viewed.
With the knowledge of the Lakers looking for guys who are going to regularly compete on both ends, it makes sense. Ayton would take plays off routinely on either side of the court. Rather than attempting to improve that core deficiency of his game, Los Angeles opted to just wipe their hands clean of the mess.
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