REPORT: NBA Insider Grant Afseth Names Lakers a ‘Logical Landing Spot’ for Jrue Holiday—Los Angeles Looks to Bolster Around Stars

In a summer where speculation swirls around potential roster shakeups across the NBA, a new report has ignited fresh hope in Los Angeles. According to NBA insider Grant Afseth, the Lakers are being viewed as a “logical landing spot” for veteran guard Jrue Holiday, a move that could elevate the team’s title aspirations and give LeBron James and Anthony Davis the complementary piece they’ve needed since their 2020 championship run.

The connection between Holiday and the Lakers isn’t just fan-driven speculation; it’s rooted in basketball logic. Holiday, a two-time All-Star, five-time All-Defensive Team member, and 2021 NBA champion, brings the exact ingredients the Lakers have been seeking: elite perimeter defense, veteran leadership, high basketball IQ, and the ability to play both on and off the ball. Afseth’s report, citing league sources and executive insight, claims Los Angeles is “monitoring” Holiday’s situation closely and would be aggressive if Portland makes him available.

A Veteran With Championship Pedigree

Jrue Holiday’s résumé speaks volumes. His defensive prowess has long made him one of the most respected guards in the league, while his offensive game has quietly aged like fine wine. In the 2022-23 season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Holiday averaged 19.3 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. But his most significant contributions often came in the moments that don’t fill the box score — guarding opposing stars, making the extra pass, or calmly running the offense in crunch time.

After being traded to Portland as part of the Damian Lillard blockbuster that sent shockwaves through the league last offseason, Holiday’s future with the Trail Blazers has always seemed like a temporary arrangement. Portland is in rebuild mode, centered around a young core including Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons. A 33-year-old guard on a win-now contract doesn’t align with that timeline, making Holiday a prime trade candidate as contenders circle.

Why the Lakers Make Sense

For the Lakers, Holiday checks nearly every box. Los Angeles needs perimeter defense, especially after struggling to contain guard-heavy teams in the playoffs. They also need a steady secondary ball handler to ease the offensive burden on LeBron James, who, while still elite, is entering his 22nd NBA season. Holiday’s versatility allows him to defend positions 1-3, operate as a lead or off-ball guard, and mesh seamlessly with stars — a trait that helped him thrive alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.

“Jrue is exactly what this Lakers team is missing,” one anonymous Western Conference executive told Afseth. “He’s unselfish, locks in on defense, and doesn’t need the ball to impact the game. You can plug him in anywhere, and he makes everyone better.”

Moreover, Holiday’s veteran mentality and team-first approach fit the culture that Lakers head coach JJ Redick and Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka have been working to build. Redick, a former teammate of Holiday during their New Orleans days, is known to admire the guard’s professionalism and leadership.

The Trade Mechanics

Of course, the question isn’t just whether Holiday would help the Lakers — it’s how they’d get him. Holiday is under contract for the 2025-26 season and will earn approximately $36 million. The Lakers would likely need to assemble a trade package centered around salary-matching contracts such as D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, or Jarred Vanderbilt, along with a combination of future draft picks.

According to Afseth, the Lakers are not the only suitor. Other teams like the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers have also shown interest in Holiday, making the market potentially competitive. However, the Lakers’ cachet, urgency to win now, and LeBron James’ closing window could give them an edge in motivation.

“They know their championship clock is ticking,” said an Eastern Conference scout. “LeBron’s not waiting around. If they can land a player like Holiday, they’ll pull the trigger.”

Holiday’s Fit With LeBron and AD

Holiday’s appeal goes beyond his defensive chops. His ability to adapt to any lineup makes him especially intriguing for a Lakers team still figuring out how to maximize its core. In a potential starting five with LeBron, Davis, Austin Reaves, and possibly Jaxson Hayes or Hachimura, Holiday would instantly upgrade their spacing, ball movement, and defensive integrity.

One of the most significant issues the Lakers have faced in recent years is the inconsistency of their third star. Russell, though capable of explosive games, struggles with defensive reliability. Holiday would bring balance and playoff-tested reliability, which could be crucial during a deep postseason run.

“His basketball IQ is elite,” said Redick in a recent podcast episode. “He’s the kind of guy who makes your job easier as a coach. He does the little things and wins possessions.”

The Emotional and Strategic Reunion

Adding another layer to the story is the potential reunion between Holiday and Redick. The two formed a bond in New Orleans, where Redick frequently praised Holiday for his humility and quiet leadership. If the Lakers are serious about contending this year, tapping into that connection might be the emotional spark the locker room needs.

“JJ knows what Jrue brings to the table,” said a former Pelicans staffer. “They respect each other’s minds. If JJ has a say in personnel, and Jrue is available, I’d bet on that reunion happening.”

What Holiday Brings Off the Court

Off the court, Holiday is universally respected. He won the 2021 NBA Teammate of the Year Award and has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts through the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund. In a locker room with big personalities and constant media scrutiny, having a mature, steady voice like Holiday’s could help stabilize the team during rough stretches.

What’s Next?

As the NBA offseason rolls on, rumors surrounding Holiday’s next destination will only intensify. The Lakers are no strangers to blockbuster moves, and with a front office unafraid to make bold decisions, it wouldn’t be surprising if Pelinka makes a serious push.

For now, Jrue Holiday remains a Portland Trail Blazer — on paper. But as insiders like Grant Afseth continue to connect the dots, Los Angeles looks more and more like the inevitable next chapter in Holiday’s storied career. The fit is logical, the need is urgent, and the stakes have never been higher.

If the Lakers want to maximize the final chapters of LeBron’s career and give AD a co-star who plays both ends with relentless focus, there may be no better option than Jrue Holiday. The time to strike may be now.

The Lakers, in pursuit of another championship, may soon make a calculated move for one of the NBA’s most respected veterans. Jrue Holiday could be the missing piece that brings grit, defense, and poise to a team ready to make another serious run at the title.