Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons after Al Horford

ATLANTA, June 22 (UPI) -- A trio of teams looking to take the next step into the NBA playoffs is vying to go big this offseason. Atlanta Hawks free agent center Al Horford is in their sights.

Horford averaged 15.2 points and 7.3 blocks this season for the Hawks. On Wednesday, ESPN's Marc Stein reported: "Orlando, Detroit and the Lakers are all among the teams that intend to make a run at Atlanta big man Al Horford."

The NBA salary cap is expected to be up to about $94 million next season. Horford is a four-time All-Star. The Hawks, who own Horford's Bird rights, could offer Horford a larger max contract than any other franchise.

As the Detroit Free Press noted, Horford is a native of Grand Ledge and "it is believed" he is "open to a return to his home state."

Horford, 30, has averaged 14.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in nine seasons since being drafted by the Hawks in the 2007 NBA Draft.