The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025 offseason with a clear mission: address their glaring weaknesses after a disappointing first-round playoff exit. Despite a 50-win season powered by superstars Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the team struggled with rebounding, interior defense, and bench depth. Under head coach JJ Redick’s directive to get into “championship shape,” the Lakers’ front office is exploring trades, free agency, and internal development to bolster the roster.
One potential target has raised eyebrows and sparked heated debate: Boston Celtics center Al Horford. The 18-year veteran, who became an unrestricted free agent after the 2024-25 season, was recently highlighted by ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin as a possible fit for the Lakers. Irwin noted, “Al Horford had a really good season given his age. 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.”
Horford, who averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 60 regular-season games in 2024-25, could provide the Lakers with much-needed frontcourt stability and veteran leadership. His experience and basketball IQ would not only shore up the team’s interior defense but also serve as a mentorship boost for younger players.
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
However, the move would come with significant controversy. Horford has spent seven seasons with the Celtics, including the last four, and is a beloved figure in Boston, where he helped deliver a championship. For many Celtics fans, seeing him don the purple and gold of their arch-rivals would be nothing short of betrayal. Given the storied rivalry between the two franchises, Horford’s potential departure to Los Angeles could ignite a firestorm of backlash.
Complicating matters, there’s likely mutual interest between Horford and the Celtics to negotiate a new deal. After years of loyalty and success in Boston, it’s difficult to envision the veteran center leaving for a team that represents the antithesis of Celtics pride. For the Lakers to lure him away, they would need to present an offer compelling enough to outweigh his deep ties to Boston.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the Lakers can pull off this audacious move—and if Horford is willing to risk his legacy in Boston for a shot at another title in Los Angeles. One thing is certain: if this happens, the NBA world will be buzzing, and Celtics fans won’t forgive easily.