The Los Angeles Lakers already have one senior citizen (by NBA standards) on the team with LeBron James. Why not add another by signing Al Horford in free agency?
Horford just turned 39 years old in early June, but the Boston Celtics center continues to prove himself a capable contributor. The veteran big man is still showcasing enough sustained athletic ability to keep up with his tremendous basketball IQ.
For those worried about the potential allure of retirement for Horford, those fears can be put to bed. Michael Scotto reported there is optimism about the Celtics big man returning for the 2025-26 NBA season.
"The general sense around the league and those close to Horford is that he’ll continue to play next season," Scotto said in his latest intel drop.
Horford will be an unrestricted free agent during this 2025 offseason. An older role player who knows exactly how to maximize his value to a team would confidently be the type of addition the Lakers can benefit from in their pursuit of a championship next season.
Proven pedigree provided by Horford is a massive gift for his next team
The market for Horford should be no surprise to anyone. Teams, like the Lakers, who are eager to put themselves within striking distance of a Larry O'Brien Trophy will be the suitors lining up for the former NBA champion.
Scotto wrote, "Predominantly, high-level playoff contenders are monitoring Horford to see if he’d leave Boston, with the Celtics expected to take a step back without [Jayson] Tatum next season and in a financial crunch regarding their salary books."
Horford has been an excellent fit in Boston since returning to the team for the 2021-22 season. The Celtics big man has averaged 9.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 block, and 0.6 steals in 28.5 minutes per game, while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 39.2 percent from triple over that span.
The five-time All-Star quickly reintegrated back into the Celtics system and embraced his role within it. Horford has often been thrust into positions of added responsibility for Boston due to the injuries of Kristaps Porzingis. The former All-NBA member has delivered in those instances.
If Horford is a casualty of the Celtics' punting on a Tatum-less season, the Lakers should be ready and willing to poach the talented veteran away from their historic rivals. It would provide the Lakers with a dependable presence in the frontcourt.
Players like Clint Capela and Brook Lopez have been discussed as stopgap solutions at center. There would be varying degrees of comfort with those additions as well, but neither brings the leadership of someone like Horford.
It's not like the Lakers are totally lacking for championship experience considering they have a four-time Finals MVP in James as one of their man cogs. However, adding the steadying hand of Horford off the bench provides excellent intangibles to go with his remaining on-court ability.