Is DeAndre Ayton the biggest name in free agency right now? You could argue yes, mainly because the Lakers’ Showtime machine knows how to shine a spotlight. He was hyped as that guy—the one to bring Showtime back to life in L.A. But the buzz didn’t last. He might’ve been the flashiest name on the board, but the Lakers have their eyes on a center built for now. With the King chasing one last run, they’re done waiting on potential. Their eyes are now on a different big man—one who might not bring the same buzz, but could be exactly what LeBron James needs for that immediate, title-chasing boost.

We might have to bring one more team into the mix. Because the Celtics’ derailment has taken more victims than the project. And the most recent name on the list? Al Horford. Yep – doesn’t this seem like prime time association transfers? Horford’s wisdom to take James on his last hurrah has to be scripted. But you know what makes it poetic? The fact that big-time rival Warriors were looking to do the same.

“Sources tell me and @DanWoikeSports that Al Horford is also under serious consideration by the Lakers (in addition to the Warriors). As he says below, this might take some time,” said Sam Amick on X.

Gators grad Horford’s resume speaks for itself—five-time All-Star, and a one-time member of the All-NBA, All-Defensive, and All-Rookie teams. But nothing topped it off like finally winning his first NBA title with the Celtics in 2024. But the Beantown cult hero has been on the radar of other teams recently – his departure is around the block, apparently. So was the case for DeAndre Ayton for a bit there. But then the Myles Turner name took over the scene – a void that Ayton himself can fulfill.

Could DeAndre Ayton replace Myles Turner?

Captain, leader, legend. Turner in the Pacers locker room was destined to be forever. And you know what’s bitter? It’s the taste of betrayal – the Pacers didn’t have him a penny over a 3-year, $60 million deal. That move officially ends Myles Turner’s decade-long run in Indiana. Through constant trade buzz and roster changes, he stayed put—until now. The Pacers’ longest-tenured player is finally moving on. It was a matter of about $10-15 million, which kinda sucks from Indiana’s perspective.

So, wouldn’t Ayton look a decent fit in the ‘Cers setup? First off, the man’s own free agency status is reason enough for him to accept an offer, especially with the best of the rest. “Pacers blew it. We’re not going back to the finals for another 25 years, bro. They acting like Tyrese Haliburton died, bro. He will be back in a year, bro. We gotta keep that tweaked. For $15 million, we gotta find that for Myles,” said Jeff Teague on his pod. But that small difference could be what a hasty Ayton could accept. “I feel like DeAndre Ayton’s about to become pay somebody. For that $15 million,” concluded Teague.

Why hasty? Well, Kendrick Perkins has inside info on some more than what meets the eye when it comes to Ayton. “The word around the league is not good about DeAndre Ayton. The Portland Trail Blazers were happy as hell that they got to this point with him. Right now, he’s been labeled as a diva, as a counselor in the locker room, and if I’m DeAndre Ayton, I gotta have a moment,” said KP on ESPN.

There are a lot of players still pretty open-ended. Not all of them are a Myles Turner debacle. Al Horford coming in might give an attentive LeBron James some hope of the immediate success of the LA. But if DeAndre Ayton ends up in Indiana, they might not have another trick up their sleeve.