The Los Angeles Lakers recently added a defensive-minded guard who can defend multiple positions in Marcus Smart, but they might not be done.
According to NBA insider Grant Afseth, they’re a name to watch in the pursuit of another former Boston Celtics guard, Jrue Holiday.
“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.
He added that while there aren’t active talks about a potential trade right now, the Lakers are among the teams that could be at the top of the list.
“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 Doncic. Other teams are monitoring the situation, though the Lakers are widely viewed as one of the most natural fits if Portland explores a deal,” he continued.
Holiday made his way to the Portland Trail Blazers in a salary-dumping deal that sent guard Anfernee Simons to the Celtics.
The Blazers brought back star guard Damian Lillard and already have young guard Scoot Henderson, and given Holiday’s age and championship aspirations, he might welcome an opportunity to take his talents somewhere else.
He still has three more years left in his contract, so a buyout might not be likely.
As for a trade to the Lakers, they’re just below the first apron of the luxury tax, so they would have to get creative to match his $32.4M salary while also making a compelling offer for the playoff-hopeful Blazers.
Holiday is one of the best perimeter defenders in the game and comes with plenty of postseason experience. Having him out there could help hide some of Doncic’s defensive miscues.
