Best Remaining Centers for Lakers Available on the Free Agent Market
This offseason has been a bit of a disappointment for Laker Nation as fans hoped the Lakers would be more active on the free agent market. The team did go ahead and bring in Deandre Ayton, who is a much-needed upgrade to the center position.
Along with Ayton, Jake LaRavia was brought in to address the loss of Dorian Finney-Smith. Recently, Los Angeles brought back Jaxson Hayes, which was surprising given his non-factor status in the playoffs last season.
Now, there appears to be a standstill around the league regarding free agent signings, but there are still some quality names on the market. Plus, there will be more potential players who can reach free agency via a buyout. Here are a few remaining center options who are still on the market that can add depth to the position, as it has been an area the team needed to address this offseason.
Al Horford
Last week, many around the league had Horford signing with the Warriors, but for some reason, he’s still available. Even though the Warriors have been seen as the frontrunners for Horford, the status surrounding his future still remains unclear.
According to ESPN’s Marc Spears, in addition to the Warriors, the Hawks, Lakers, and Bucks have been in contact with Horford. He just turned 39, but he still contributes on the offensive, primarily on the defensive end. Last season, he averaged nine points and six rebounds while shooting an efficient 36% from behind the arc.
The Warriors expected Al Horford to sign last week, but he never did as he continues to explore other options, per @MarcJSpears.
The Bucks, Hawks and Lakers have also expressed interest in signing Horford alongside Golden State.pic.twitter.com/Irh19t182t
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 14, 2025
He can be another veteran leader on this Lakers team and can add more championship experience. Ayton and Hayes will both be lob threats for Luka Doncic and LeBron James, but Horford could be the guy who can stretch the floor and knock down outside shots.
Richaun Holmes
Holmes was released by the Washington Wizards earlier today after spending two seasons with the team. The Wizards had to make adjustments to their roster because they are over the 15-player limit. Ultimately, this was a consolidation move.
The Wizards have requested waivers on Richaun Holmes, making him a free agent, per @WizPRStats
Holmes, 31, provided solid minutes off the bench last season, averaging 7.4 points and 5.7 rebounds in 31 games.
Holmes’ contract had only $250k guaranteed for 2025-26. pic.twitter.com/Pg6lMvHGVo
— Greg Finberg (@GregFinberg) July 14, 2025
Holmes is a quality backup option, and he does serve as a lob threat. Last season, he averaged seven points and six rebounds in 17 minutes across 31 games played. In his career, he has dealt with injuries, but he would come in and serve as good depth.
Holmes does have similar attributes to Hayes, as both are not great post scorers. Both bigs mostly score off lobs or offensive putbacks, so LA could pivot elsewhere.
Overall, this offseason has been a bit frustrating due to the fact that the team has a young superstar in Doncic, an aging superstar in LeBron, and possibly one of the best third options in the league in Austin Reaves. Despite all of that, the Lakers’ front office has been hesitant the last few years.
Arguably, this team may have taken a step back as the Western Conference continues to get stronger. The Lakers must add more to their roster either through free agency or via trade very soon.
