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

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 4:38 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers showed more than a few chinks in their armor last season as they were easily dispatched of by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 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.

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.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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