Wizards just found out why Lakers were eager to trade Deandre Ayton

Writer Tyler Watts argues that Deandre Ayton's defensive shortcomings in a 139-132 loss to the Atlanta Hawks demonstrated why the Los Angeles Lakers traded him to the Washington Wizards. Starting in place of the injured Anthony Davis, Ayton recorded eight points and 11 rebounds across 23 minutes. However, Washington struggled defensively with him on the floor, allowing 62 points in the paint and posting a 146.9 defensive rating during his minutes.

Watts notes that while Ayton has embraced a reserve role in Washington, the Wizards are statistically better defensively without him. The Lakers previously traded Ayton after opting into his $8.1 million player option in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks. Watts concludes that Washington must keep Ayton in a limited bench role once Davis returns rather than relying on him as a starting rim protector.