Why Luka Doncic ‘lost all respect’ for Deandre Ayton before LA Lakers traded him, explains Skip Bayless

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The Los Angeles Lakers are seemingly completely wiping the slate clean ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.

Since the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade, Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers’ top brass seem keen on giving the Slovenian superstar a new team around him.

It was evident when the Purple and Gold allowed LeBron James to leave in free agency for free. However, one player from last season’s team who seemed to be in the Lakers’ plans was Deandre Ayton.

After all, he signed a contract extension with the Lakers, but the organization recently traded him to the Washington Wizards.

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Skip Bayless gives Luka Doncic reason for Deandre Ayton trade​

The Lakers have traded Ayton to the Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks.

Upon seeing the trade, NBA analyst Skip Bayless shared his unfiltered reaction to it as he claimed Doncic was the one responsible for the move.

“Trading Ayton was another Luka Move. A please-get-him-outta-my-sight move. Luka lost all respect for Ayton’s energy and hands. Luka wanted Kessler,” Bayless wrote on X.

He added, “(And Luka played with Jaden Hardy in Dallas, and I assume likes him – so do I.) Now, without LeGone, this is strictly the Luka Show.”

There is no doubt that Walker Kessler will be the No. 1 center for the Lakers next season, but many expected Ayton to come off the bench and provide more depth.

Unfortunately, Ayton failed to impress the top brass in his single season with the Lakers, and he will now continue his career in Washington.

Read more:

• Lakers trade Deandre Ayton to acquire Luka Doncic’s former teammate amid offseason makeover
• James Worthy gives brutal verdict on whether LA Lakers should keep Deandre Ayton
• LA Lakers fans went off at Deandre Ayton for unveiling ‘DominAyton’ chain in the middle of playoffs

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