Luke Kornet blossomed during the 2024-25 NBA regular season with the Boston Celtics, solidifying his role as a valuable backup big man. His performance was particularly highlighted during games when starters Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis rested, allowing Kornet to showcase his abilities. Fans who once questioned his future with the team now reflect on his growth and memorable moments throughout the season. The Celtics have honored Kornet's contributions with a highlight reel, underscoring the impact he made during his tenure in Boston.

The Los Angeles Lakers are making significant moves to address their center position, recently signing Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal worth approximately $8 million per year. Ayton, with impressive career averages of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds, brings offensive prowess and athleticism to the team.

However, the Lakers are looking to bolster their roster further by pursuing veteran big man Al Horford. At 39, Horford brings invaluable experience and skill, maintaining effective scoring and defensive capabilities. He averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in limited minutes last season, showcasing his ability to contribute in a multifaceted role.

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant offseason move by signing former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal worth $34 million. This acquisition comes after Ayton was waived by the Portland Trail Blazers, and it addresses a critical weakness in the Lakers' frontcourt that was exposed during their playoff exit. With stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the roster, Ayton adds much-needed size and a reliable lob threat, enhancing Los Angeles' athleticism in the paint.

Before finalizing the deal with Ayton, the Lakers were in discussions with several veteran centers, including Al Horford from the Boston Celtics. Recent reports indicated that Horford was weighing options between the Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. However, with Ayton now in the mix for Los Angeles, the likelihood of Horford joining the Warriors has increased, much to the excitement of Golden State fans, who view Ayton's signing as a clear signal of Horford's impending move to their team.

Sam Presti, General Manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder, emphasizes that the NBA must recognize the alarming link between player workload and injuries. This sentiment comes in the wake of significant injuries to key players, including Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, who may face a lengthy recovery after a torn Achilles during the Finals. Presti criticizes both the league's scheduling and the dismissive attitude toward injury data, suggesting that the physical demands of today's game require a reevaluation of player workloads.

Presti reflects on the extensive duration of the Thunder's season, which included a demanding playoff run and the unique circumstances surrounding the NBA Cup. He advocates for a proactive approach to player health, urging that the league stop ignoring the correlation between game loads and injuries. His insights, backed by the challenges faced by teams in managing player fatigue, signal a call for change in how the NBA structures its season.

The Milwaukee Bucks made a significant change in the 2025 NBA offseason by waiving and stretching Damian Lillard's contract, allowing them to make room for Myles Turner. This decision means the Bucks will owe Lillard $22 million annually over the next five years to keep him off the court, as he recovers from an Achilles injury expected to sideline him for the entirety of the 2025-26 season. Despite his injury, interest in Lillard remains high, with multiple contending teams reportedly reaching out.

Among the teams showing interest are the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers, all eager to make a deal as soon as possible. Intriguingly, a tweet from Lillard dating back to 2017 resurfaced, revealing his past inclination to join the Lakers if he were to leave Portland, a sentiment that may resonate with fans as Lillard approaches another potential career move.