Al Horford to Warriors Receives Update After Lakers’ Decision

Al Horford to Warriors Receives Update After Lakers’ Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Lakers made their first big splash of the offseason by landing former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton on a two-year deal. Ayton, who was waived by the Portland Trail Blazers, wasted no time finding a new home with a franchise looking to rebuild its interior presence around stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

For the Lakers, the move shores up a major weakness that plagued them during their first-round playoff exit. Ayton brings size and a reliable lob threat, giving Los Angeles an athletic option in the paint to complement James and Doncic. Ayton is set to earn a combined $34 million next season, with a player option included in the deal, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2)© Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Before closing the deal with Ayton, the Lakers were also linked to several veteran bigs to plug their frontcourt gap—among them, Boston Celtics free agent Al Horford. It was reported on Wednesday morning by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst that Horford was likely to decide between Los Angeles and the Golden State Warriors (h/t NBA Central).

However, since Los Angeles decided to sign Ayton, the path to Horford landing in Golden State widened dramatically—something Warriors fans have already noticed.

A popular Warriors fan page posted, “Ayton signing with the Lakers should in theory clear the way for a Golden State–Al Horford deal as the Lakers were reportedly also angling for Big Al.”

Amid this speculation, former NBCS Bay Area reporter Brian Witt called Ayton to Los Angeles a “very good sign” that Horford could land in Golden State. While he is 39 years old, Horford is a five-time All-Star and still very productive on both ends.

The 2024 NBA champion averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds in 60 games last season.