BREAKING: New Report on Celtics NBA Champion Potentially Joining Lakers
The Lakers have entered the 2025 offseason determined to improve, following a disappointing first-round playoff exit. With notable weaknesses in rebounding, interior defense and bench depth, the front office is actively exploring trades, free agent signings and internal development to strengthen the roster.
The Lakers finished the 2024-25 season with 50 wins, but ultimately fell short when it mattered the most, despite boasting a roster led by Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Head coach JJ Redick emphasized that the Lakers would need to get in championship shape ahead of next season, leading many to speculate the potential moves the franchise could make.
Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka
© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Among the potential targets is Boston Celtics center Al Horford. ClutchPoints' Anthony Irwin recently identified the 18-year veteran as a potential fit for the Lakers, should they choose to pursue him in the offseason.
"Al Horford had a really good season given his age," Irwin wrote. "The Boston Celtics are going to be looking to shed salary, so he could also be an option if the Lakers want to double the number of 40+ year-olds on the roster."
Everybody knows the Lakers need a center (or two).@AnthonyIrwinLA goes inside the front office's strategy to upgrade the position and predicts the likeliest outcome ⬇️https://t.co/B6TBQmZTFb
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 11, 2025
Horford is an unrestricted free agent. In 2024-25, he averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 60 regular-season games.
Adding this type of player could help shore up the frontcourt for the Lakers and serve as a mentor for younger players. However, assuming there is mutual interest between Horford and the Celtics to get a deal done, it is hard to imagine the Lakers could lure him from the place he has spent the last four seasons (and seven total).