Amid a relatively active stretch for the Los Angeles Lakers, one insider says they’re a candidate for another perimeter defender who recently played for their archnemesis.
Lakers Could Aim for Another Former Celtic — This Time Via Trade
Lakers are “Team to Monitor” for Two-Time Champ
According to NBA insider Grant Afseth, the Lakers are considered “one of the most natural fits” for Blazers guard Jrue Holiday. The two-time champion and six-time All-Defensive Team selection was traded from the Celtics to the Blazers on June 23. However, reports soon revealed he was “pissed” about the move, leading to further speculation over his future.
In 62 games last season, Holiday averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals on .443/.353/.909 splits. Despite his strong two-way skill set, Afseth noted Holiday’s age and contract make for a “complicated” trade value. The 35-year-old will earn $32 and $34 million over the next two seasons (along with a $37 million player option in 2027). He added that Holiday’s health—particularly his knee problems—are another source of concern among suitors.
Still, as the Lakers consider more defensive-minded players, Afseth believes they could make a move for the veteran guard.
“The Lakers are considered well-positioned to pursue a trade for Holiday, should they choose to go that route. Between Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber, Los Angeles has more than $40.7 million in expiring salary, enough to facilitate a deal without touching its core. Though Marcus Smart was signed recently to bolster the perimeter defense, the Lakers could use more firepower.”
Holiday Trade Doesn’t Make Sense for LA
While the Lakers would certainly welcome a championship-level defender in Holiday, a trade is simply not feasible. Even if they parted with a couple players on expiring deals, they would add someone on a significant contract who—considering the current state of the roster—may not even enter the starting lineup. The aforementioned issues around Holiday’s age and injury history also hinder his case to join his hometown team.
Is a Buyout an Option?
It’s worth noting that after waiving Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin, the Lakers have one guaranteed roster spot available. If the Blazers suddenly changed course and bought out Holiday’s contract, that would be the best case scenario for LA. The team’s offseason—outside of the addition of Jake LaRavia and re-signing of Jaxson Hayes—has been defined by solid pickups from the buyout market. Adding Holiday on a far friendlier contract may be the only way he ends up donning the purple and gold. With the Blazers committed to keeping him around, any dreams of Holiday coming home are just that.
The Last Word
While Holiday’s defense, facilitating and championship pedigree make him a solid fit for LA, there are glaring obstacles toward a potential acquisition. And with the team’s guard rotation nearly set in stone, the Lakers are better off holding out for a midseason pickup or adding to their frontcourt instead.
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