The Los Angeles Lakers must sign Al Horford after adding Jake LaRavia on an absolute bargain contract. They have a desperate need at the five and want a lob target for Luka Doncic. Sadly, none of those options are available in free agency. The best available center is a stout defensive big man capable of stretching the floor and making plays. LA can’t afford to pass up an upgrade when competing in the loaded Western Conference.
Horford has six contenders chasing him, including the rival Warriors. His team has consistently made deep playoffs, including the Celtics winning the championship in 2024. Horford can guard the best centers in the game, make shots, and even switch onto the perimeter in a pinch.
The Lakers should sign Horford and trade for a starting-caliber big man. They need significant help at the position, especially with Luka Doncic’s defensive limitations. Horford would be a stretch five capable of standing out in a smaller role. The Lakers need all the help they can get.
Lakers should sign Al Horford in free agency
The Lakers watched several free-agent targets go off the board on night one. They won’t be getting Brook Lopez or Clint Capela. LA let Dorian Finney-Smith walk just months after trading for him. It was not a fantastic start.
The best available center options are Horford, Thomas Bryant, and Moritz Wagner behind Myles Turner. Turner is expected to re-sign with the Pacers but hasn’t agreed to a new deal yet. Deandre Ayton will hit the open market on Wednesday after clearing waivers. The other options will be signed, so the Lakers should act quickly.
LA has the $14.1 million mid-level exception and the bi-annual exception left to sign free agents. They should use those tools to upgrade their roster. Luka Doncic is in his prime, and LeBron James only has a few years left. Any team with two superstars should be pushing their chips in and trying to win now.
Horford is 39 years old. The Lakers can’t expect him to play massive minutes or be an elite contributor. The 6’9 big man’s minutes should be watched closely during the regular season to be unleashed in the playoffs. He can still make an impact, and Los Angeles desperately needs the upgrade.
The time is now for the Los Angeles Lakers. They just signed a young wing and should be focused on improving right now. Al Horford is the center who would most impact winning in 2026. Rob Pelinka owes it to Luka and LeBron to sign him, even if it means handing out a two-year deal for more than expected. The Lakers should be title contenders in 2026 and that will take adding talent.