Los Angeles Lakers Viewed as Trade Destination to Monitor for Jrue Holiday

With NBA free agency largely settled and teams exploring the trade market to round out their rosters, the future of Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday has become a topic of growing interest across the league. Questions about his health, age, and contract have fueled speculation about whether Portland will look to move him.

Multiple sources recently told FastbreakJournal.com that Holiday is a name to monitor, particularly as a potential target for the Los Angeles Lakers. 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.

Jrue Holiday’s Trade Value Viewed as Complicated Across the NBA

Holiday, 35, averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over 62 games last season. He’s owed $32.4 million in 2025–26 and is signed through the 2027–28 season, with a $37.2 million player option in the final year. While still viewed as a high-level defender and playmaker, his trade value is complicated due to his age and long-term salary.

Another factor is health. Sources say Holiday’s trade to Portland was delayed before becoming official due to a red flag in his physical. The original deal reportedly included two second-round picks being sent to Boston, but the Celtics ultimately received no draft compensation. Knee-related concerns are common knowledge among rival teams when evaluating Holiday’s availability.

With Damian Lillard recently returning to Portland on a three-year deal worth $41.6 million, the Trail Blazers still have a veteran presence in place if they move Holiday in a trade. As it stands, Holiday does not fit Portland’s timeline as a veteran guard in the late stage of his career.

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.

Los Angeles Lakers Have Added Talent Luka Dončić Wants

The Lakers have shown a determination to target players Dončić values ahead of contract extension eligibility in August, acquiring Deandre Ayton and Smart, both players whom sources say the Slovenian superstar recruited.

Long before losing in the 2024 NBA Finals against Holiday and the Celtics, Holiday has been a player Dončić has strongly respected, and his complementary skill set aligns with Los Angeles’ ongoing efforts to build around its stars.

“Jrue is one of the best, if not the best guard defender for me,” Dončić said in 2022. “I think he doesn’t get a lot of praise for how he can guard. So for me, it’s really tough to go against him… I’m surprised he’s never [won] Defensive Player of the Year or something.”

Could Robert Williams III Appeal to the Los Angeles Lakers?

Another option that has been floated among NBA personnel is the appeal for the Lakers to expand a potential trade to include Robert Williams III. The 27-year-old has one year remaining on his contract at $13.3 million and has previously drawn interest from the Lakers, according to sources. Williams would give the team a sturdier frontcourt behind Ayton and could shift Jaxson Hayes into a better-suited third-center role.

Second-year wing Dalton Knecht, who was nearly traded to the Charlotte Hornets at the February deadline, remains a trade candidate to monitor. Knecht’s rookie contract adds flexibility, and his upside may appeal to Portland as part of a broader return.

For now, there’s no indication a deal is close to imminent by any means, but given the Trail Blazers’ current circumstances, rival teams continue to monitor Holiday’s situation closely. Among those keeping tabs, the Lakers remain one of the most naturally positioned teams to act if the opportunity presents itself.