Lakers Suffer Crushing Blow as Warriors Poised to Steal 5-Time All-Star Al Horford in Free Agency Stunner
The Los Angeles Lakers’ hopes of bolstering their roster with veteran leadership and championship experience appear to be slipping away. According to multiple reports, all signs are pointing toward five-time All-Star Al Horford joining the Golden State Warriors, dealing a blow to the Lakers’ free agency plans.
Horford, who remains one of the league’s most dependable veteran big men even as he nears his 40th birthday, had been linked to Los Angeles as a potential free agent target. With his proven ability to stretch the floor, defend at a high level, and bring leadership to a locker room, Horford was seen as a perfect fit for the Lakers’ needs — particularly as a savvy backup to starting center Deandre Ayton.
However, it appears the Lakers may be outbid by their longtime rivals to the north. With Sunday marking the beginning of the 2025–26 NBA salary cap year — the date when teams can officially sign most free agents — the buzz around Horford’s likely destination is intensifying. Sources suggest that Golden State is in prime position to land the veteran center, bringing his championship pedigree and versatile skillset to a team still looking to maximize its remaining championship window.
The loss of Horford stings for the Lakers, who saw him as an ideal addition to round out a roster built around LeBron James (should he return), Anthony Davis, and Ayton. His ability to play both ends of the court and mentor younger teammates made him one of the franchise’s top targets heading into the offseason.
With Horford likely off the board, the Lakers will need to pivot quickly to other options. Several names remain on their radar, but none bring quite the same combination of experience, floor-spacing, and defensive intelligence as Horford. As the free agency window opens, the Lakers must act swiftly to regroup — while also watching a key piece potentially head to a conference rival.
