The Lakers could use Al Horford, but will the Celtics let him walk?
The Boston Celtics are still awaiting an answer from Al Horford regarding his future, both with the Celtics and in the NBA.
There have been rumors suggesting that Horford could decide to hang them up, which would be somewhat surprising considering he still showed a year ago to be a very serviceable player who can help a contender.
While he likely wanted to finish his career with the Celtics, and Jayson Tatum's injury didn't help that, he has to make a business decision now.
However, according to the Boston Globe, while the Los Angeles Lakers have had interest in him, their most recent moves likely mean that they're out on the veteran, which is good news for the Celtics.
“There are several teams interested in the 39-year-old big man, including the Celtics, but it’s likely the Boston fan favorite will head elsewhere. Horford has to determine whether the West Coast is an option to conclude his career. Horford is comfortable in Boston. His family resides here and it could be a difficult decision to uproot and head to Golden State for perhaps one season. With the Lakers signing Jaxson Hayes to a one-year contract to backup Deandre Ayton, there is little chance for Horford to head to the Celtics’ rivals. Golden State is the favorite here, but Horford could return to Boston on a discount contract or even retire,” they wrote.
As noted in the past, there's still an argument to be made that Horford is better than Jaxson Hayes and Deandre Ayton at this stage of their careers.
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For one, he's definitely better than Hayes, and Ayton doesn't bring the most every night.
For Horford, at least the Lakers would understand that he's going to play hard and give it his all.
However, given their most recent moves, the Boston Globe is likely right in their assessment that he wouldn’t be a great fit there anymore.
Category: Basketball
