Trade deadline: can it be possible after signing Deandre Ayton?, the Lakers remain in strong pursuit of Al Horford.
The Lakers have offered a $5M deal to Al Horford with………… more details
In a bold and calculated move, the Los Angeles Lakers have added serious firepower to their roster ahead of the trade deadline by signing former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton. However, the Lakers’ front office is far from finished. Despite locking in a talented young center, the franchise has shifted its attention to veteran big man Al Horford, offering him a \$5 million deal in hopes of rounding out a championship-contending roster.
The signing of Deandre Ayton came as a surprise to many NBA insiders, especially considering the Lakers’ limited cap space and depth in the frontcourt. Ayton, who was recently bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, agreed to a two-year, \$16.6 million deal with the Lakers, with a player option in the second year. The team utilized the midlevel exception to complete the transaction, adding a highly skilled and athletic center who still has room to grow.
Ayton’s addition gives the Lakers a legitimate interior presence and a pick-and-roll threat who can complement Anthony Davis while relieving him of primary defensive duties in the paint. Known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and mid-range shooting, Ayton brings a blend of youth and playoff experience that fits well with head coach Darvin Ham’s system.
While Ayton addresses the athleticism and versatility the Lakers need in the post, there remains a void in leadership and locker room stability—something Horford provides in spades. The Lakers have reportedly offered Horford a \$5 million deal via the bi-annual exception, attempting to lure the 38-year-old away from Boston and other potential suitors, including the Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks.
Horford, who has been an integral part of the Celtics’ frontcourt for several seasons, is known for his high basketball IQ, floor-spacing ability, and veteran savvy. He has been to multiple Eastern Conference Finals and recently played a key role in Boston’s deep playoff runs. His ability to shoot from the perimeter, defend multiple positions, and serve as a calming voice on the court could prove invaluable to a Lakers squad loaded with young talent and superstar egos.
Despite the Ayton signing, the Lakers have made it clear they are not standing pat as the trade deadline approaches. Rumors continue to swirl about additional moves, particularly involving wing defenders and backcourt depth. The team has also reportedly agreed to re-sign center Jaxson Hayes on a one-year deal, giving them further flexibility in the frontcourt.
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka is said to be exploring trade options to improve the team’s bench scoring and perimeter defense—areas that plagued the team during last season’s playoff exit. Whether or not they land Horford, the Lakers are clearly in a win-now mode, building a roster that balances youth, experience, and positional versatility.
According to league insiders, Horford is expected to make a decision soon, with the Lakers and Warriors seen as the top two contenders. While Golden State offers a strong culture and playoff pedigree, the Lakers offer a central role on a team that has already made major improvements. Horford’s choice may come down to fit, family considerations, and the opportunity to compete for a title in what could be his final NBA season.
The Lakers are making major moves at the most critical time of the season. Signing Deandre Ayton marks a significant upgrade in the frontcourt, but their pursuit of Al Horford shows they are thinking long-term and short-term simultaneously. As the trade deadline nears, all eyes will remain on L.A.—and whether their aggressive push can land them the championship-caliber roster they’ve been chasing
since their 2020 title run.