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Celtics Hero Considered 'Serious Option' For Lakers' Frontcourt

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 4:52 PM ET

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 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.

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.

Al Horford is a serious option for the Lakers in addition to Deandre Ayton as Los Angeles navigates ways to fill its frontcourt void, sources tell @DanWoikeSports and @sam_amick. pic.twitter.com/lFwOWGc50j
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) July 1, 2025

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 in the NBA, it wouldn't be the weirdest thing to see.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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