NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could acquire $135 million Boston Celtics superstar to form Big 3 with LeBron James and Luka Doncic and bolster title hopes

The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a crucial offseason after a disappointing first-round exit in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the charge, the front office is exploring bold moves to strengthen the roster—including a potential blockbuster trade with archrivals, the Boston Celtics.
(Disclaimer: The information and analysis presented in this article are based on current speculations. While the details are sourced from credible insights, it’s important to note that these are not confirmed moves or official statements. Readers are encouraged to take this analysis with a grain of salt and stay tuned for official updates as the offseason unfolds.)

The Celtics are facing a difficult offseason after winning the NBA title in 2024. Boston may have to make roster changes due to financial limitations and an aging core.
"The rest of the league is bracing for some level of change to the Celtics' roster this offseason," ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. "Sources have been telling me for weeks now that the Celtics will be exploring trade options."

According to Dean Simon of the Sporting News, this opens the door for the Lakers to target a key Celtics star: two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday.

Jrue Holiday, a two-time All-Star and six-time All-Defensive Team selection, brings elite defense and veteran leadership—qualities the Los Angeles Lakers desperately need. Here’s how he could impact the team:
- Defensive Anchor: Holiday’s ability to guard multiple positions would mask Doncic’s defensive limitations.
- Playoff Experience: A proven winner, he’s averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists this season.
- Leadership: His intangibles make him an ideal fit alongside James and Doncic.


The Lakers might provide a package focused on Austin Reaves, who averaged 20.2 points per game this season, in order to acquire Holiday. The agreement might contain:
- Austin Reaves (20.2 PPG scorer)
- Rookie forward Dalton Knecht
- Jarred Vanderbilt
- Draft capital


- Adds a lockdown defender and playoff-tested veteran.
- Balances the roster without sacrificing too much scoring.

- Sheds Holiday’s $37.2 million player option for 2027-28.
- Gains a young scorer in Reaves and future assets.
Landing Jrue Holiday could propel the Los Angeles Lakers back into title contention. His defensive prowess and championship pedigree align perfectly with the team’s win-now mentality. As Dean Simon noted in the original report, this move might be the missing piece for Los Angeles to chase their 18th NBA championship.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors could chase $186 million Milwaukee Bucks superstar to form Big 3 with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler
With the Celtics potentially open for business, the Lakers have a rare chance to weaken a rival while bolstering their own roster. The offseason chess match is just beginning.