The Los Angeles Lakers have two bona fide All-Stars on their roster entering the 2025-26 season in LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
When it comes to a third star around those two, though, things are less certain. While effective, Austin Reaves isn't on the same level as his superstar teammates. No one will debate that fact.
With that being the case, it isn't overly surprising to hear that Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office could have their eye on a veteran, former All-Star, who, on paper, would fit perfectly next to Doncic and James.
Lakers Reportedly Eyeing Jrue Holiday After Marcus Smart Signing
There is a lot to unpack here concerning just how interested Los Angeles is in Jrue Holiday. The same can be said about the level of talks that may or may not have taken place.
Having said all of that, Grant Afseth of FastbreakJournal.com is reporting that the former Boston Celtics star, and current Portland Trail Blazers guard, is a potential trade target of the Lakers.
"Multiple sources recently told FastbreakJournal.com that Holiday is a name to monitor, particularly as a potential target for the Los Angeles Lakers," Afseth wrote. "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."
Holiday was dealt to the Trail Blazers ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft in a cost-cutting measure by the Celtics and was reportedly unhappy with Portland being his destination, despite his prior time with the franchise.
Since then, the Blazers have signed injured All-Star guard Damian Lillard to a three-year deal, which only makes the backcourt even more crowded. Since Lillard is in the fold, along with Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson still on the roster, Holiday could find himself fighting for minutes sooner rather than later.
This is why a trade cannot be ruled out. Whatever the plan in Portland is certainly involves a lot of guards at this moment. Lillard is there for the long haul, and unless the franchise is ready to move off of Henderson or Sharpe, then Holiday would be the most likely trade candidate.
The Lakers have plenty of players on expiring deals that could be combined to make a trade for Holiday work under the league's CBA. Whether they can actually get that done is another question altogether.