Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Lakers At Risk Of Losing Top Center Target To Warriors
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis > Lakers At Risk Of Losing Top Center Target To Warriors

Lakers At Risk Of Losing Top Center Target To Warriors

Veteran center Al Horford expected to sign with Warriors, leaving Lakers scrambling for frontcourt depth.

Vishwesha Kumar
Jul 6, 2025
4 Min Read
Share

Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers’ search for a reliable veteran center may hit another frustrating roadblock this offseason, as longtime NBA insider Marc Stein reports that Al Horford is “destined” to sign with the Golden State Warriors. 

Despite the Warriors only having the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception to offer, Horford appears to be leaning toward joining the Bay Area’s win-now squad, dealing another blow to a Lakers front office that has already missed out on two of their top center targets this summer.

Horford, now 38, remains one of the most respected veterans in the NBA. He averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season with the Boston Celtics while shooting an efficient 42.3% from the field and a solid 36.3% from deep. 

His ability to stretch the floor, anchor a defense for spurts, and provide high-IQ play in critical moments makes him a premium target for teams seeking depth and experience in the frontcourt.

The Lakers had legitimate interest in Horford as a potential backup to newly signed Deandre Ayton. After already losing out on Clint Capela to the Houston Rockets and Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers, Horford was viewed as the ideal piece to round out their big man rotation. 

Pairing Ayton’s athleticism with Horford’s shooting and defensive instincts would’ve provided head coach JJ Redick with versatility and veteran leadership off the bench. Instead, Horford now seems likely to join a Warriors squad that has built a roster tailor-made for one last championship push with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.

Golden State’s pitch is clear, fit, familiarity, and a path to a deep playoff run. Horford’s ability to space the floor complements Curry’s gravity perfectly, allowing for lethal pick-and-pop opportunities and unclogged lanes for cutters. His playoff pedigree, with 197 postseason games and a 2024 title with Boston, only adds to his appeal as the Warriors look to reassert themselves in a crowded Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the Lakers’ front office may find themselves scrambling. While the acquisition of Ayton is undoubtedly a coup and Jaxson Hayes was re-signed to provide rim protection and vertical spacing, the lack of a steady, floor-spacing veteran at the five remains a concern. 

Horford could’ve offered 20–25 minutes a night of smart, switchable defense and a consistent shooting presence, especially valuable in playoff lineups where spacing and decision-making are at a premium.

Stein also mentioned the Denver Nuggets as a dark horse suitor if Jonas Valanciunas decides to pursue opportunities overseas. However, the Warriors appear to be the overwhelming favorites, as both Stein and Jake Fischer previously named Horford their “top target” among big men this offseason.

If Horford joins Golden State, it would mark the third time this summer the Lakers have missed on a high-value center. And with Western Conference rivals continuing to strengthen their rotations, the margin for error shrinks. 

For the Lakers, the window to round out their roster with the right veteran help may be closing faster than they expected.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Al HorfordGolden State Warriors ArchiveLos Angeles Lakers Archive
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByVishwesha Kumar
Follow:
Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
Previous Article 2-Time Slam Dunk Champion Criticizes LeBron James For Never Entering The Contest
Next Article Chris Paul Announces He Will Retire After The 2025-26 NBA Season
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Lakers guard Bronny James poses for photos during media day at UCLA Health Training Center
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Bronny James Feels ‘More Comfortable With The Ball’ And Lakers’ Schemes Heading Into Year 2

October 4, 2025
Warriors guard Stephen Curry and wife Ayesha Curry during the 2022 NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Rocket Mortgage Field House
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Ayesha Curry Never Wanted Kids; Claims Stephen Curry Doesn’t Understand Her Career Goals

October 4, 2025
Lakers center Deandre Ayton during media day at UCLA Health Training Center
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Deandre Ayton On Taking Only Two Shots In His Lakers Preseason Debut

October 4, 2025
San Antonio Spurs News & Analysis

5 Goals For Spurs Superstar Victor Wembanyama In 2025-26 NBA Season

October 2, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?