LOS ANGELES — Saying the Los Angeles Lakers made a big Deandre Ayton mistake might sound reactive after a summer trade, but many fans initially viewed moving off their starting center as a simple housecleaning effort. However, taking a closer look at the asset return and frontcourt depth proves that the front office sold far too early on a high-value asset.
Despite narratives about an inconsistent motor, Deandre Ayton produced high-level efficiency alongside Luka Dončić. Last season, he started 72 games while averaging 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 27.2 minutes per game on 67.1 percent shooting from the field
According to DARKO contract models, Ayton generated +$16.2 million in surplus value on a modest $8.1 million salary. That represents a 200 percent return on investment. Moving an efficient center who outperformed his deal for just two distant second-round picks feels like an undersell. With players like Ayo Dosunmu pulling four second-round picks on the open market, Rob Pelinka should have fetched three or four picks.
Instead of taking back a negative contract in Jaden Hardy (-$2.0M deficit), the Lakers could have flipped that positive value into bigs like Jalen Smith (+$9.3M surplus) or Karlo Matkovic (+$5.5M surplus) who directly fit team needs.
The Lakers Made A Big Deandre Ayton Mistake: Torpedoing A Secretly Elite Center Rotation
Heading into the season, Los Angeles had a chance to roll out a dominant center rotation featuring Ayton, Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Kevon Looney.
That group would have ranked as a top-three center unit in the entire NBA. Asking Deandre Ayton to accept a bench role carried real locker room risks. Yet, rushing a trade just to avoid potential chemistry issues deprives the Lakers roster of the size they need.
To reach the Finals, western conference teams must survive grueling series against Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein in Oklahoma City or Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio. Dumping proven depth before the season even starts leaves the frontline slightly exposed.
Rob Pelinka Traded Leverage For Pennies?
Even if Ayton wanted out, the front office still rushed the trigger. The Lakers could have easily started the season with him on the roster, showcased his value, and moved him at the deadline when desperate buyers emerge.
Instead, Rob Pelinka traded him to Washington—where he sits behind Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr—just to net two seconds and take back Jaden Hardy. From all indications, those future picks were meant to be instantly flipped in a sign-and-trade for Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga spurned LA so the transaction is an L at the moment. The front office gave up an asset for pennies on the dollar, leaving the Lakers roster thinner than it needed to be.
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