The Los Angeles Lakers are the subject of several free agency rumors, but they haven't made any more moves outside of adding Jake LaRavia on a two-year deal. The purple and gold have been linked with Deandre Ayton as their No. 1 target at center, but more names are showing up by the hour.
After being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton was quickly linked with many teams around the association. Besides the Lakers, the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers have been mentioned as potential landing spots for the former No. 1 overall pick.
Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game in 40 games during the 2024-25 season, shooting 56.6% from the field and 66.7% from the free-throw line.
Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) reacts after helping secure a 121-119 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
Deandre Ayton during a Portland Trail Blazers' win.
Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
The Lakers are reportedly studying options beyond Ayton. Other veterans could find their way to Los Angeles, including a Celtics fan-favorite and a key player in their most recent Finals runs.
According to Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Al Horford is a "serious option" for the Lakers in case their pursuit of Ayton isn't fruitful.
Horford has had two stints with the Celtics (2016 through 2019 and 2021 through 2025), playing a key role in the team's recent deep playoff runs, including two trips to the Finals in 2022 and 2024.
After winning the 2024 championship, Jaylen Brown, who won the Finals MVP against the Dallas Mavericks, showered Horford with high praise, calling him a hero.
"Nobody deserved it more than Al," Brown said. "He's been a great not just leader on the court but off the court as well. ... It's been an honor to be by his side. And Al Horford is a real-life legend and hero. It's been great to be his teammate."
This might be a shocker for many fans, especially those who worshipped Horford in Boston. However, seeing how things are moving in the current NBA, it wouldn't be the weirdest thing to see.