5 million biennium exception, Horford is expected to "Journey to the West" again, and the Lakers may invite top mentors for Ayton

In early July, the Los Angeles Lakers finally completed the most important reinforcement this year's offseason.

A few days ago, the Trail Blazers officially bought out the contract for No. 1 center Ayton, allowing Ayton to enter the free agent market.

This is simply a pie from the sky, especially for a team like the Lakers who are eager for centers, it has been a god-given opportunity.

The Lakers have been committed to trading a center, but unfortunately other teams either spoke loudly or the Lakers were dissatisfied. In short, there was no movement of signings.

But unexpectedly, the Great Good Man Trail Blazers bought out Ayton, giving the Lakers a chance to pick up Ayton for free.

Soon, the Lakers completed their signing with Ayton for 2 years and $16.6 million. Ayton officially joined the Lakers to assist James and Doncic. The Lakers were also able to make up for their biggest shortcomings.

After Ayton arrived, the Lakers were not satisfied, and they also planned to find a strong substitute for Ayton. This time, the Lakers set their sights on Celtics champion center Horford.

According to Evan Sidery, the Lakers are still vigorously pursuing the 39-year-old Horford, even if they sign Ayton. US media Legion Hoops revealed that the Lakers have used biennial exceptions to provide Horford with a quote worth $5 million.

The Lakers' favor for Horford is due to an important reason, which is that they hope Horford can act as Ayton's mentor.

Lakers reporter Trevor Lane updated the social media and wrote: "Ideally, the Lakers hope to add a player with a pick-and-roll to the space-type fifth position to the threat, and signing Ayton and Horford will undoubtedly achieve this goal. In the stage when DeAndre Ayton is trying to get back on track, the Lakers really hope that someone like Horford will be by his side."

In this regard, the Lakers management is still considering a long-term view.

Ayton is the top center and has extraordinary talent, which is well known. However, Ayton has many shortcomings: he has no enterprising spirit, bad professional attitude, fear of confrontation when playing basketball, and has a cleanliness obsession, etc. It is these that restrict Ayton's development and allowed him to enter the league for so many years, and he has never been to the All-Star or received a maximum salary.

And Horford is exactly the opposite of Ayton. Horford may not have the physical quality and absolute talent of Ayton, but the Chef's mental attributes are full. He likes to fight and defend on one side, and can compete with any type of inside player. Even Antetokounmpo can be defeated in front of him. Horford once won the nickname "anti-letter armor".

Horford also has good support skills, accurate outside shooting ability and rich playoff experience, which are enough to become the focus of Ayton's learning. Anyone who can master half of Horford's precious wealth can bring huge improvements to the Lakers.

It can be said that the Lakers' signing this time is very targeted and has good intentions.

It is worth mentioning that Horford spent most of his career, except for playing for a short time with the Thunder. This time, he is preparing for his second "Journey to the West". According to reports, Horford is very likely to choose 1 in two of the Lakers and Warriors.

Will Horford join the Lakers to assist James, Doncic and Ayton? Let's wait and see!