Lakers Rumors: Latest Buzz on Al Horford, Ryan Anderson and Free-Agent Targets

The Los Angeles Lakers have been more active than most so far in 2016 NBA free agency, though not to the best of reviews.

General manager Mitch Kupchak and the front office were quick out of the gates to take care of one of their own, coming to terms with shooting guard Jordan Clarkson, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical.

After that, things got a bit weird, with the Lakers inking center Timofey Mozgov to a deal worth $64 million, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski. The team followed Saturday morning by inking veteran Luol Deng to a deal, according to Charania.

The good news is the Lakers don't seem anywhere close to done as free agency charges onward, so here's a look at the most important rumblings around the team.

Al Horford Update

This might better explain the Mozgov situation.

Many figured Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford would be a great fit with the Lakers. An obvious upgrade on Roy Hibbert, the veteran could give the lineup some veteran leadership and help mold the organization's future.

One problem—Horford has to want to take part in a rebuild.

According to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, Horford didn't want to play ball:

It's not the most shocking detail in the world. With the Hawks in the Eastern Conference, Horford was at least hitting the postseason most seasons. Nobody can assure the same thing with the Lakers in the deeper Western Conference.

In hindsight, Mozgov might seem like a deal compared to what Horford will get. Free agency is still young, too, so one has to think (hope) the recent moves are part of a much larger, cohesive plan.

Lakers Chase Shooting, Ryan Anderson?

It's no shocker the Lakers wanted to address shooting consistency in free agency this year. Granted, the team did well with Brandon Ingram, who shot 41 percent from deep as a freshman with Duke, but leaning on a rookie for it all wouldn't be wise. 

Hence this note from ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne: "Lakers priorities in free agency were shooting & rim protection. Among names I've heard interest in: Ryan Anderson, Parsons, Batum, Bazemore, Tyler Zeller."

It's an interesting list, and not a very fun one. Chandler Parsons inked a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical. Nicolas Batum re-upped with the Charlotte Hornets, per Charania. Worst of all, Kent Bazemore, one the Lakers let slip away, got back together with the Hawks, according to ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst.

It hurts to look at, but all hope isn't lost, especially with a name such as Ryan Anderson still there.

Anderson is just 28 years old and a stretch power forward in line with the league's current trends. He averaged 17.0 points per game last year and, more importantly, has hit 37.7 percent of his shots from deep for his career.

The addition of Deng and perhaps someone such as Anderson is a good way for the Lakers to get away from leaning on players such as Nick Young. Even better, it lays a foundation for quality depth years down the road when the core led by Ingram has hit a stride. 

The trick is the Lakers nailing down one of the high-profile guys the rumors market has linked them to.

Moe Harkless Watch?

Moe Harkless isn't the first name that comes to mind in free agency this year, but teams hoping to build a brighter future know he's a guy to watch.

Harkless spent the first three years of his career with the Orlando Magic and wasn't given much of a chance. The Portland Trail Blazers, though, used him in a rotational role last year and on an average of 18.7 minutes per game, he posted 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds.

The production and upside at the age of 23 would explain why so many teams have an interest, according to ESPN.com's Marc J. Spears: "The Wizards, Pistons, Lakers, Mavs and Jazz among teams expressing interest in Blazers restricted free-agent forward Moe Harkless, a source said."

The restricted tag would be the problem for the Lakers here. Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com explained:

Portland needs to keep Harkless around to fit the role at power forward, so the question is simple—should the Lakers overpay to pry him away?

Hard to say. Julius Randle starts at power forward but a complementary presence wouldn't hurt, and the team did lose Brandon Bass to the market. If the Lakers covet the utility enough, the team has the cash to blow.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.