For years, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics battled each other for NBA championships.
Now, the two teams are again competing against each other, this time for a building block that both teams think could help return their teams to their former glory.
Al Horford's Atlanta Hawks beat the Boston Celtics in the NBA playoffs this year, but the organization hasn't held that against the center from the Dominican Republic. If anything, his play in that series against Celtic stars like Isaiah Thomas may have convinced the Celtics of Horford's worth. They are in hot pursuit of the free agent.
Celtics have a meeting scheduled with Al Horford.
They are the only team that also have a meeting setup with KD. pic.twitter.com/fqfCRl3758— Celtics Direct™ (@CelticsDirect) June 28, 2016
For their part, the Lakers boast a collection of young players like Brandon Ingram and D'Angelo Russell who could benefit from Horford's leadership. That's part of why the team is interested. Horford, 30, averaged over 15 points and 7 rebounds last season and he's a four-time NBA All-Star.
The Lakers are interested in signing Al Horford in free agency https://t.co/fnJy52IGJkpic.twitter.com/EtVMkG68Rr
— Silver Screen & Roll (@LakersSBN) June 28, 2016
Whether Horford eventually decides to stay in Atlanta or sign elsewhere, his new contract will likely be the highest ever paid to a Latino player in NBA history. Free agents can begin talks with other teams on July 1.