Lakers Trade Rumors: Jrue Holiday Linked to LA in Proposed Trade with Trail Blazers

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by Cristian Andal

Jrue Holiday (left) could be shipped to the Lakers to play with LeBron James, according to trade speculations. Photo: Getty Images.

A new trade concept has sparked conversations around the NBA, with veteran guard Jrue Holiday emerging as a potential target for the Los Angeles Lakers.

In a hypothetical trade proposal crafted by Fadeaway World analyst Siddhant Gupta, the Lakers would send Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and rookie Dalton Knecht to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for the two-time NBA champion.

It’s important to note that Holiday cannot be traded alongside other players until after September 7. The Portland Trail Blazers recently acquired Holiday from the Boston Celtics on July 7 in a deal involving Anfernee Simons — largely viewed as a financial maneuver by Boston.

Though no formal negotiations have been reported, Holiday’s name continues to generate buzz around Los Angeles. NBA insider Grant Afseth of FastbreakJournal.com reported that league sources view the Lakers as a natural fit should Portland explore trade opportunities.

“While there’s no confirmation that talks are active, Jrue Holiday continues to be a name floated within NBA circles as the Lakers assess potential upgrades around LeBron James and Luka Dončić,” Afseth wrote.

Photo: Yahoo Sports.

Holiday, who hails from California and played his college ball at UCLA during the 2008–09 season, also shared the court with LeBron last summer on Team USA. This background could add to the appeal of a move to L.A.

Last season with the Celtics, Holiday averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 44.3% from the field, 35.3% from three-point range, and 90.9% from the free-throw line. A two-time All-Star and six-time All-Defensive Team selection, Holiday helped guide the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA title in 2021 and captured his second championship with Boston in 2024.

Now 35, Holiday has also suited up for the Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans in his 15-year NBA career, posting overall averages of 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game.

As for the Lakers, they were eliminated in the first round of the 2025 playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games — a disappointing outcome given their star-studded lineup and home-court advantage. President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka has responded with offseason additions including Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart, and Deandre Ayton.

If Los Angeles ultimately strikes a deal for Holiday, new head coach JJ Redick could potentially roll out a formidable starting five of Holiday, Austin Reaves, Dončić, LeBron, and Ayton — positioning the Lakers for a strong rebound next season.