Deandre Ayton trade grades: Lakers ship veteran center to Wizards with eyes on free-agent replacement

The Los Angeles Lakers have traded veteran center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards, with the move reportedly aimed at freeing up resources to pursue a free-agent replacement. Ayton started all 72 games he played last season but became expendable following the Lakers' acquisition of Walker Kessler. The trade signals a roster reshaping effort by Los Angeles heading into the offseason.