Lakers At Risk Of Losing Top Center Target To Warriors

The Los Angeles Lakers’ search for a reliable veteran center may hit another frustrating roadblock this offseason, as longtime NBA insider Marc Stein reports that Al Horford is "destined" to sign with the Golden State Warriors. 

Despite the Warriors only having the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception to offer, Horford appears to be leaning toward joining the Bay Area’s win-now squad, dealing another blow to a Lakers front office that has already missed out on two of their top center targets this summer.

Horford, now 38, remains one of the most respected veterans in the NBA. He averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season with the Boston Celtics while shooting an efficient 42.3% from the field and a solid 36.3% from deep. 

His ability to stretch the floor, anchor a defense for spurts, and provide high-IQ play in critical moments makes him a premium target for teams seeking depth and experience in the frontcourt.

The Lakers had legitimate interest in Horford as a potential backup to newly signed Deandre Ayton. After already losing out on Clint Capela to the Houston Rockets and Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers, Horford was viewed as the ideal piece to round out their big man rotation. 

Pairing Ayton’s athleticism with Horford’s shooting and defensive instincts would’ve provided head coach JJ Redick with versatility and veteran leadership off the bench. Instead, Horford now seems likely to join a Warriors squad that has built a roster tailor-made for one last championship push with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.

Golden State’s pitch is clear, fit, familiarity, and a path to a deep playoff run. Horford’s ability to space the floor complements Curry’s gravity perfectly, allowing for lethal pick-and-pop opportunities and unclogged lanes for cutters. His playoff pedigree, with 197 postseason games and a 2024 title with Boston, only adds to his appeal as the Warriors look to reassert themselves in a crowded Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the Lakers’ front office may find themselves scrambling. While the acquisition of Ayton is undoubtedly a coup and Jaxson Hayes was re-signed to provide rim protection and vertical spacing, the lack of a steady, floor-spacing veteran at the five remains a concern. 

Horford could’ve offered 20–25 minutes a night of smart, switchable defense and a consistent shooting presence, especially valuable in playoff lineups where spacing and decision-making are at a premium.

Stein also mentioned the Denver Nuggets as a dark horse suitor if Jonas Valanciunas decides to pursue opportunities overseas. However, the Warriors appear to be the overwhelming favorites, as both Stein and Jake Fischer previously named Horford their "top target" among big men this offseason.

If Horford joins Golden State, it would mark the third time this summer the Lakers have missed on a high-value center. And with Western Conference rivals continuing to strengthen their rotations, the margin for error shrinks. 

For the Lakers, the window to round out their roster with the right veteran help may be closing faster than they expected.