June 2, 2025 — NBA Free Agency Watch
As the Boston Celtics navigate a severe luxury tax crisis and an uncertain future without Jayson Tatum, one of their key rotational pieces is reportedly drawing strong interest from a familiar rival — the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to league insiders, Luke Kornet, Boston’s veteran backup center, is being closely monitored by the Lakers front office as a potential free agent acquisition this summer. With Kornet hitting the open market and the Celtics facing significant financial strain, Los Angeles could swoop in and poach the 7-foot-2 big man as they continue retooling under new head coach JJ Redick.
💰 Boston’s Financial Nightmare
The Celtics’ payroll situation is becoming one of the league’s most burdensome. Following their recent spending spree to keep their championship-caliber core intact — including massive deals for Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Derrick White — Boston is now flirting with an all-time high luxury tax bill projected to exceed $500 million when all penalties are calculated.
New team governor William Chisholm, a private equity billionaire who led the Celtics’ recent ownership transition, may not be willing to foot that level of spending, especially with Jayson Tatum out indefinitely due to an Achilles tear. Without their six-time All-Star forward, Boston’s title window for 2025–26 looks all but closed.
As a result, cost-cutting measures appear imminent — and Luke Kornet could be among the first casualties.
📈 Kornet’s Rising Value
Kornet, 29, played some of the best basketball of his career during the 2024–25 postseason, stepping up in critical playoff moments as a defensive anchor and floor-spacing big off the bench. He averaged 7.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game in limited minutes, while shooting over 38% from three-point range.
That playoff run may have priced him out of Boston’s plans, with some projections suggesting he could command a deal in the $6–8 million per year range, well above the veteran minimum he’s played on for the last two seasons.
“Kornet showed real poise and versatility under pressure,” said one Eastern Conference scout. “He’s the type of big you want on your bench in a deep playoff run — smart, unselfish, and reliable.”
🟣🟡 Lakers’ Interest Makes Sense
The Lakers, meanwhile, are actively seeking frontcourt depth behind Anthony Davis and recently acquired Wendell Carter Jr.. Kornet’s ability to protect the rim, space the floor, and play within a structured system makes him an ideal fit for a Lakers team looking to complement their star core of LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
With JJ Redick emphasizing ball movement, shooting, and floor spacing in his coaching philosophy, Kornet could find an immediate role in the Lakers’ second unit, providing both rim protection and offensive versatility.
“He’s not a flashy name,” said a Lakers team source. “But he’s exactly the kind of guy championship teams love to have — consistent, coachable, and cheap compared to what he brings.”
🤝 Could Kornet Jump to the Rival Side?
It wouldn’t be the first time a Celtics player crossed enemy lines and joined the Lakers — but it’s always a headline-making move. If Kornet signs with L.A., it would deepen the historic rivalry and potentially weaken Boston’s already depleted frontcourt in the process.
And with Al Horford also a free agent at age 38, Boston is staring down the possibility of losing both of its key reserve centers while still paying deep luxury tax penalties for a diminished, injured core.
🔮 What’s Next?
Free agency officially opens in July, but conversations between agents and teams are already heating up behind the scenes. Kornet is expected to draw interest from multiple playoff teams, including the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Bucks, according to sources.
Boston could still retain him if they shed other salaries, but with a monstrous tax bill and no Tatum-led championship run in sight, the Celtics may decide to let Kornet walk — potentially into the arms of their fiercest rival.
📝 Final Take
As the Celtics face an identity shift and financial reckoning, the Lakers — always opportunistic in their pursuit of smart, undervalued talent — may once again benefit. Luke Kornet’s link to L.A. is no coincidence; it reflects a franchise with championship ambitions looking for players who know how to contribute quietly, but effectively, on the biggest stage.
