The free agency rumors continue hours before the 2016 NBA Draft. Teams which need to address multiple positions need to work overtime.
The LA Lakers need talent but the positions they need to address are small forward and center with the departure of Roy Hibbert imminent. With new Coach Luke Walton, they might need a specific type of center.
According to Marc Stein's Twitter, the Lakers are pursuing the former Florida Gator.
"Free Agency Rumble: Orlando, Detroit and the Lakers are all among the teams that intend to make a run at Atlanta big man Al Horford."
Horford represents the modern NBA center as he can shift from both frontcourt positions, score from the inside and outside and defend most positions. This is why he is probably the second most coveted free agent in this class.
As Lakers Outsiders also emphasized, Horford will fit in new coach Luke Walton's system.
They opine that the Lakers would probably offer Horford the max because of his fit in Luke Walton's system.
"Horford can stretch the floor and also distribute the basketball. Horford was second out of all NBA centers in assists and first in three-point makes. His fit with Julius Randle on the offensive end of the floor is great, being able to play the game outside of the paint, giving Randle more room to operate."
Horford is a worthy target despite turning 30 and he would still be effective at the tail end of a projected 4-year deal since he does not rely on athleticism that much. Also, he could be the leader that guides the young Lakers, even prospective stars like D'Angelo Russell and possibly Brandon Ingram.
Can the Lakers pry him away from these listed rivals? They also need to contend with the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets and even the Portland Trail Blazers who all covet his services. But the Lakers could have an edge, not just because they have the league's biggest fan base at the second largest market, but also because of their coach, as Today's Fastbreak speculated.
Aside from his positive attitude and impressive record as an interim coach with the Golden State Warriors (an incredible 39-4), Walton could be the "stabilizer" of the team.
"There's young talent on the roster, but more importantly, there's someone in a leadership position with a track record of success, who is not controversial and who could seamlessly survive a change in the executive structure of the franchise if Jim Buss has to step out in favor of his sister Jeanie. Walton is likely in L.A. for the long haul."
That situation is a real possibility with the public declaration of Jim Buss to resign his post and let his sister take over. Walton will survive even if that happens and Horford would not have to worry about adjusting to another system.