The Los Angeles Lakers may not be done making roster moves this summer. Their center rotation seems set with Deandre Ayton as the starter and Jaxson Hayes and possibly Maxi Kleber as the backups, but they would surely love a better second-string option in the middle.

Even after Ayton agreed to sign with the Lakers on July 2, it was reported that they were “in strong pursuit” of veteran big man Al Horford. Nearly two weeks after that report, Horford remains unsigned.

Advertisement

With the Boston Celtics, the team he played for over the last four seasons, looking to seriously trim salary, Horford is thought to be looking to move to another team. According to Marc Spears of ESPN, Los Angeles is still interested in the 39-year-old.

“Golden State, obviously, expected him to sign last week. He didn’t. Lakers, Milwaukee and Atlanta, I believe, are also interested in a nearly 40-year-old guy who also has retirement on the table. He’s still considering retiring; he’s not in any hurry. He’s got a sixth kid coming on the way, he lives in Atlanta and Boston in the offseason. But I’m hearing that whether it’s Golden State or, a lesser extent if it’s the Lakers, being away from the family that far isn’t going to be in that decision.”

Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 27.7 minutes a game while shooting 36.3% from the field this past season. He played a key role in Boston winning the 2024 NBA championship, and he could likely have one more productive year in his tank, perhaps in limited minutes.

He would be a better option off the bench at the 5 than either Hayes or Kleber, and perhaps a massively better one, as he can contribute in multiple areas and perhaps even be a glue guy of sorts.

Horford could also perhaps be a fallback option for L.A. should Ayton, who had attitude problems while with the Portland Trail Blazers over the last two years and has never been a plus defender despite outstanding athleticism, not pan out.

Advertisement

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers are reportedly still interested in Al Horford