Former All-Star, NBA Champ Linked to Lakers in Offseason Trade Market

The Los Angeles Lakers showed more than a few holes in their roster last season as the Minnesota Timberwolves easily knocked them out of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The loss exposed a gaping hole in the middle of the Lakers' interior defense while also demonstrating the team's need for more athletic perimeter defenders to slow opponents, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards. Mutiple sources indicated to reporter Grant Afseth that the Lakers have been listed as a "trade destination to monitor" for the Portland Trail Blazers guard this offseason.

Former All-Star, NBA Champ Linked to Lakers in Offseason Trade Market originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Lakers showed more than a few holes in their roster last season as the Minnesota Timberwolves easily knocked them out of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

The loss exposed a gaping hole in the middle of the Lakers' interior defense while also demonstrating the team's need for more athletic perimeter defenders to slow opponents, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards.

One player who could fill the latter role via a potential trade was revealed recently as a potential trade candidate who could wind up in Los Angeles.

Mutiple sources indicated to reporter Grant Afseth that the Lakers have been listed as a "trade destination to monitor" for the Portland Trail Blazers guard this offseason.

May 14, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) controls the ball while New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) defends in the second half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Lakers are widely viewed as "one of the most natural fits" for the two-time NBA All-Star and former Milwaukee Bucks champion.

Holiday, 35, averaged 11.1 points per game, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over 62 games in 2024-25 with the Boston Celtics.

Holiday could provide more offensive firepower alongside Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, two defensive minded additions the Lakers made this offseason.

Dalton Knecht, the Lakers' second-year outside shooter, was mentioned as a name to monitor in a potential trade as his contract is outside team friendly and he holds value because of his shooting.

Related: 10 WNBA 3-Point Shooters Better Than Caitlin Clark This Season

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.

Category: Basketball