The Los Angeles Lakers are still in the market.
With free agency largely settled and the 2025–26 season looming, the Lakers are exploring trade scenarios to bolster their rotation. They’ve already added Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart this offseason—moves driven, in part, by Luka Dončić and his desire to compete for a title now. But a new report suggests they may not be done yet.
According to Grant Afseth of Fastbreak Journal, Jrue Holiday is a “name to watch” for Los Angeles on the trade market. There’s no known traction on a deal yet—but Holiday’s name continues to surface in league circles as a potential Lakers target.
Lakers Exploring Guard Market With Eye on Contenders
Holiday’s situation is murky. He’s 35 years old, still owed $32.4 million for next season, and under contract through 2028—with a $37.2 million player option in the final year. He also missed time last season due to injuries and was flagged during a physical before his trade to Portland from Boston. That delay, sources say, led to the Celtics receiving no draft compensation in return.
Even so, Holiday remains one of the league’s top defensive guards and is viewed as a strong locker room presence. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists across 62 games last year and still holds value to playoff teams needing a mature perimeter anchor.
The Lakers are uniquely positioned to make a move. Between Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber, the team has over $40 million in expiring salary. They wouldn’t have to touch the core or future draft capital to construct a deal.
Could the Lakers Expand the Deal?
Holiday isn’t the only name surfacing. The Lakers have reportedly expressed past interest in Robert Williams III, who remains on the Blazers’ roster and is owed $13.3 million in the final year of his deal.
Adding Williams to a potential Holiday trade would give Los Angeles a sturdier frontcourt behind Ayton and maybe help limit Jaxson Hayes‘ minutes.
The possible piece going the other way? Dalton Knecht. The second-year wing nearly got moved at the deadline and still carries intrigue around the league. His rookie contract offers flexibility and upside for a team like Portland as part of a broader package.
Dončić’s Influence, Holiday’s Timeline
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic.
Dončić’s influence on Lakers roster construction is no secret. Sources say both Ayton and Smart were high on the superstar’s list. Holiday is reportedly another name Dončić has long admired, even dating back to their matchups in the playoffs.
“Jrue is one of the best, if not the best guard defender for me,” Dončić said in 2022. “He doesn’t get a lot of praise for how he can guard… I’m surprised he’s never won Defensive Player of the Year or something.”
Holiday’s fit with Dončić is obvious. He doesn’t need touches, can defend both guard spots, and adds maturity and playoff poise. For a team with title hopes, he’s the type of piece that can still swing a series—health permitting.
There’s no indication a deal is imminent. But rival teams are watching closely. And if the Blazers choose to flip Holiday before the season, the Lakers are expected to be one of the first teams on the phone.
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