Lakers guard Jaden Hardy faces roster cut or trade before opener
The gist
The Lakers must trim to 15 players, and guard Jaden Hardy is a top cut or trade candidate.
Hardy was just acquired in July, so his spot is uncertain weeks after arriving.
How it unfolded
- Jul 2026The Lakers acquired guard Jaden Hardy from the Washington Wizards, along with two second-round draft picks, for Deandre Ayton.
- Late Sep 2026Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said the team has until Opening Night for the competition to sort out the best 15 players and that consolidation trades remain possible.
- Oct 11, 2026Lakers insider Jovan Buha floated a scenario sending Hardy back to the Wizards for Bilal Coulibaly or Justin Champagnie.