The Los Angeles Lakers upgraded their roster this offseason, and fans are loving the rival Warriors' struggles that could get a lot worse if Al Horford decides to retire. ESPN’s Anthony Slater said the possibility is still on the table. The Dubs can’t sign Horford until Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency gets sorted, and there is zero end in sight. The longer it plays out, the more likely Horford is to hang up his sneakers.
The Warriors have just nine players under contract for the 2025-26 season. Fans have heard the rumors of Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Seth Curry, and Gary Payton II all heading to Golden State, but it can’t happen until Kuminga has a team. The Dubs need flexibility to make a sign-and-trade or fill their roster if he returns on a short-term deal. It appears a resolution is still weeks away.
Lakers fans are loving it. The offseason news has stopped as the remaining free agents wait for Golden State to sort things out. Fans of the purple and gold hope this ends in disaster. The Warriors are an aging team that needs depth. If Horford retires, there is no replacement available.
Al Horford may choose retirement over joining the Warriors
The Lakers signed Deandre Ayton to be their starting center and know the pressure is on him to shine in Los Angeles. Ayton will be Luka Doncic's primary pick and roll partner, which means plenty of opportunities. It is all about Ayton locking in and making an impact on both ends of the floor.
Golden State would currently have to rely on Draymond Green to slow him down, and center will be a gaping hole for the Warriors if Horford retires. They are comfortable going small, but don’t want that to be the only option every night. Green will struggle to hold up over the 82-game grind in that scenario.
The Dubs think they are a serious contender with Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Green leading their charge, but those three can’t do it alone. They need scoring punch, defense, and versatility to win multiple rounds in the playoffs. Keeping Kuminga would help, but that relationship has soured. There may be no saving it, and Lakers fans certainly love that.
Luka Doncic is locked in as the face of the Lakers and ready to make them a serious title challenger. Right now, they are ahead of Golden State, and things will stay that way if Horford retires. Lakers fans see that as a possibility again after Slater’s latest report.
There is zero love lost between these two rivals. The Los Angeles Lakers would like nothing more than knocking out Curry and the Warriors in the 2026 playoffs. Luka takes his game to another level in the postseason, and there will be no rim protection if Horford isn’t in the Bay Area. This could weaken the Dubs and improve the Lakers' chances at winning it all. Fans can only hope the rumors become reality. Stay tuned to find out.