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Jrue Holiday was one of the first big names on the move this offseason as the Boston Celtics traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons. While Portland is looking to make a postseason push in 2024-25, many have predicted that the 35-year-old will be rerouted as he does not fit the organization's timeline.
Although there were many who believed that he could play a mentor role for the young roster, the Trail Blazers recently signed franchise legend Damian Lillard -- alleviating the need for a veteran presence. The two-time All-Star guard was recently named as a player to monitor on the trade market.
Grant Afseth of Fastbreak Journal revealed that the Los Angeles Lakers could target Holiday, if he is made available.
"Multiple sources recently told FastbreakJournal.com that Holiday is a name to monitor, particularly as a potential target for the Los Angeles Lakers," Fastbreak Journal's Grant Afseth wrote Sunday. "That’s not to say active conversations are taking place, but his name continues to surface in NBA circles as the team evaluates options to add more talent around LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Other teams are monitoring the situation, though the Lakers are widely viewed as one of the most natural fits if Portland explores a deal."
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Afseth noted that the Lakers could pair several expiring contracts to match salaries and acquire Holiday, who is set to make $32.4 million in 2025-26. He suggested that the deal could be expanded to include Robert Williams III, another potential target for Los Angeles.
The NBA reporter added that the organization has placed an emphasis on acquiring players that Luka Dončić values. The superstar guard has previously praised Holiday, labeling him as the best perimeter defender in the league.
His $37.2 million player option could present an obstacle in a potential deal, however, as the Lakers have reportedly been operating with the objective of keeping their books clean for the stacked 2027 free agent class -- where they hope to find a long-term co-star for Dončić. The opportunity to acquire the six-time All-Defensive Team guard, however, could be too good to pass up.
Holiday has won two titles in the past five seasons, helping the Milwaukee Bucks and Celtics both hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy in his first year on each roster. While Los Angeles has an eye on the future, they also have a roster that is built to win due to the presence of Dončić and LeBron James.
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