In the aftermath of the Los Angeles Lakers' shocking Walker Kessler trade, many questioned how they would be able to build a roster with no tradeable first-round picks. However, after their latest move, we now know.
The Lakers traded center DeAndre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks.
Moving Ayton after also losing Jaxson Hayes might seem questionable, but there's clearly a method to the Lakers' madness. Los Angeles is no doubt gambling that they can find a reliable backup or two for the vet minimum.
By doing so, they could potentially save approximately $3 million in salary and also acquire two second-round picks as a reward.
Trading Deandre Ayton makes the Walker Kessler trade better
Recent history proves that the Lakers have had success signing value contracts. Betting that GM Rob Pelinka can find cheap replacement options for Ayton and Hayes seems like a safe gamble.
In fact, he has already made a move to bolster their frontcourt depth. The Lakers signed forward Sandro Mamukelashvili to a 4-year, 52 million deal. While that may not be a value deal, in the traditional sense, perhaps it could end up being one.
Mamu averaged 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 38.9% from three last season. He is also a good passer to boot, possibly helping the Lakers offense, though defense isn't his strong suit. That is what Kessler is for, and he'll have to do some major heavy lifting playing alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and possibly Mamu.
The Lakers now have some breathing room thanks to the Ayton trade
The Lakers roster makes a bit more sense now than it did. Upgrading from Ayton to Kessler is a big one, though they had lost several key rotation players. That means no Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Hayes, and, presumably, no Rui Hachimura.
A projected starting lineup of Doncic, Reaves, Quentin Grimes, Mamukelashvili, and Kessler should be terrific offensively, though it has a low ceiling defensively. At least at the moment, however, the Ayton trade gives them the chance to make another move to fill out their roster.
All told, their roster is still a work in progress, but they at least have the makings of a playoff team. There is still work to be done, but the Ayton trade will help them build a better team.
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