Lakers: 5 Top Targets in 2016 Free Agency Not Named Kevin Durant
Dec 21, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center
(15) shoots the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Trail Blazers 106-97. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
4. Al Horford
Al Horford has been one of the most underrated frontcourt players in the NBA for quite some time, able to affect the game on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor for the Atlanta Hawks over his career. Horford has long been a quality player and, as he hits the market this summer, he’s a player that would make a great deal of sense to put beside Julius Randle in the frontcourt.
Horford is going to demand a hefty contract in free agency, even as he’s having a bit of a down year in Atlanta. Even still, his averages of 15 points and seven assists per game this year are certainly more than respectable. Given how he offers tremendous versatility in terms of his offensive attack and the fact that he can hold his own defending opposing big men on the interior, that would be huge for the Lakers moving forward.
There’s a good chance that Horford is going to remain in Atlanta if they offer him the money he deserves, but that shouldn’t stop the Lakers from at least throwing a big number at the big man in free agency and trying to lure him to the west coast. He’s an underrated option that could have a majorly positive effect on the franchise moving forward.
Next: No. 3 Barnes