The Los Angeles Lakers have been making waves this offseason with bold moves, including the high-profile signing of Deandre Ayton, but they’re not stopping there. In a surprising twist, reports indicate that the Lakers are quietly engaged in negotiations with Boston Celtics’ veteran big man Al Horford, a $20 million superstar whose experience and versatility could provide a massive boost to LeBron James’ championship pursuit. Despite tight salary cap constraints, the Lakers are exploring every avenue to make this blockbuster addition a reality.
Al Horford: A Perfect Fit for the Lakers?
At 39 years old, Al Horford remains one of the NBA’s most respected stretch bigs. Fresh off a championship run with the Boston Celtics in 2024, Horford’s leadership, floor-spacing ability, and defensive versatility make him an ideal complement to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His ability to knock down threes (41.2% from beyond the arc in the 2023-24 season) and anchor the defense would add a new dimension to the Lakers’ frontcourt, especially alongside the recently signed Deandre Ayton.
Horford’s veteran presence could also stabilize the Lakers’ locker room, providing mentorship to younger players like rookie Adou Thiero and depth piece Jake LaRavia. However, with Horford reportedly considering retirement and weighing family priorities, the Lakers face a tough challenge in convincing him to join the purple and gold.
Salary Cap Challenges: Can the Lakers Make It Work?
The Lakers’ pursuit of Horford is complicated by their precarious financial situation. With less than $1 million in cap space below the first apron and the full mid-level exception already used on Jake LaRavia, signing a player of Horford’s caliber seems like a long shot. Here’s a breakdown of the Lakers’ current cap situation:
|
Factor |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Remaining Cap Space |
Less than $1 million below the first apron
|
|
Key Signings |
Deandre Ayton (Center), Jake LaRavia (Wing) |
|
Exception Used |
Full Mid-Level Exception |
|
Available Option |
Waive Shake Milton (non-guaranteed contract) |
|
Savings from Milton |
~$3.9 million (via Bi-Annual Exception) |
|
Needed Space for Horford |
$5.1 million (Full Bi-Annual Exception) |
To make room for Horford’s estimated $5.1 million contract (via the Bi-Annual Exception), the Lakers would need to waive Shake Milton’s non-guaranteed deal and potentially execute additional trades to clear cap space. Despite these hurdles, ESPN’s Marc Spears reported that the Lakers remain in the mix for Horford, alongside teams like Milwaukee and Atlanta, as the veteran has yet to commit to a team, including the previously rumored Golden State Warriors.
Why Horford Might Choose the Lakers
While Horford splits his offseasons between Atlanta and Boston, the allure of joining LeBron James and Anthony Davis in Los Angeles could be a game-changer. The Lakers’ championship pedigree and passionate fanbase offer a compelling stage for Horford to chase another ring before potentially retiring. Additionally, the opportunity to play a significant role alongside Ayton and Davis could appeal to Horford, who has thrived as a complementary piece in Boston’s system.
However, Horford’s family considerations could pose a challenge. With his sixth child on the way, proximity to his family in Atlanta or Boston may outweigh the appeal of a West Coast move. As Spears noted, “Being away from the family that far isn’t going to be in that decision,” suggesting the Lakers will need to present a compelling case to sway him.
Lakers’ Offseason Moves: Building a Contender
The Lakers have already addressed key roster needs this offseason, positioning themselves as serious contenders. Here’s a recap of their major moves:
|
Player |
Move |
|---|---|
|
Deandre Ayton |
Signed (Starting Center) |
|
Jake LaRavia |
Signed (Wing, Mid-Level Exception) |
|
Jaxson Hayes |
Re-signed (Big man depth) |
|
Adou Thiero |
Drafted (Second-round pick) |
|
Dorian Finney-Smith |
Departed (Free Agency) |
These additions have bolstered the Lakers’ depth and size, but adding a veteran like Horford could elevate them to another level. His championship experience and ability to stretch the floor would create matchup nightmares for opponents, especially in playoff scenarios.
No Interest in Andrew Wiggins: Lakers Focused on Horford
While rumors briefly linked the Lakers to Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins, sources have since clarified that there’s no serious traction for such a move. The Lakers appear laser-focused on adding veterans like Horford who can provide immediate impact without disrupting their core. As Ron Gutterman noted, “It still feels like a long shot, but it’s good to know that the Lakers are not all the way out on making another helpful addition this offseason.”
The Bottom Line
The Los Angeles Lakers’ quiet pursuit of Al Horford is a bold move that underscores their commitment to maximizing LeBron James’ championship window. While salary cap constraints and Horford’s personal considerations present significant obstacles, the possibility of landing a $20 million superstar with his skill set is a tantalizing prospect. If the Lakers can navigate the financial puzzle and convince Horford to join their cause, this could be the move that propels them back to the NBA’s elite. Only time will tell if this shocking negotiation comes to fruition.