Al Horford provided a steadying and reliable presence at center for the Boston Celtics amid their 2024 NBA championship run. The hopes of him bringing that same dependability to the Los Angeles Lakers are quickly fading after Jake Fischer's recent report.
Fischer wrote, "All signs, for the record, continue to point to Al Horford landing with Golden State … eventually. Sunday will be the first day of the 2025-26 salary cap year that NBA teams can make most free agent signings and trades official."
If it's not the Golden State Warriors who are the biggest threat, then there is one other instance in which the Lakers could miss out on Horford. That would be if the 39-year-old decides to call it a career altogether. Shams Charania discussed that possibility on SportsCenter (h/t RealGM).
Charania said, "I'm told he is reviewing multiple options including the Warriors, the Lakers, but also retirement. ... I'm told it would be a surprise if he makes a final decision by this weekend. He certainly has earned the right to make a decision at his own time."
If the Lakers are still looking to add another presence to the frontcourt, the hopes of that addition being Horford appear to be quickly dwindling. To his credit, Rob Pelinka may alredy know this.
Lakers' recent move indicates they are up to speed on Horford situation
The Lakers made a move that surprised some last night when they chose to bring back Jaxson Hayes on another one-year deal. Many would have thought the brutal showcase against the Minnesota Timberwolves wrapped up his time in Los Angeles.
However, bringing back Hayes strongly indicates the Lakers may not like their chances with some of their other center pursuits after landing DeAndre Ayton to plug the starting spot down low. Last year's stopgap starter gives them an insurance policy at the position.
To clarify, this isn’t something specifically given to Hayes. It happens with every 1 year deal for a player getting 3 years or more seasons consecutively with any team because they acquire Bird right at that point and those would be lost with a trade. So the player has a chance… https://t.co/c6m4IRu2jm
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) July 3, 2025
The Lakers still have other options they can pursue to find a backup to Ayton. Whether it is via trade or another free agency signing, Pelinka is not stuck with this exact frontcourt rotation just yet.
The thought of losing ground in the Horford sweepstakes does sting. The former NBA champion offers a sense of short-term stability for any party that would be lucky enough to add him.
Where the comfort can be found here is in the sentiment that Horford would have only served to temporarily stop the bleeding. Perhaps this potential free-agency miss will allow Pelinka and the front office an opportunity to find a more permanent solution.