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 pivotal 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.)

Boston Celtics’ Financial Woes Could Benefit the Los Angeles Lakers

Fresh off their 2024 NBA championship, the Celtics face a challenging offseason. Financial constraints and an aging core may force Boston to shake up their roster.

"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."

The Celtics will begin to explore cost-cutting trades this offseason, per @ShamsCharania on @PatMcAfeeShow:

“This iteration is just not going to be sustainable for this team.”

Players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday could become prime trade candidates this summer. pic.twitter.com/hu5v15PfW6

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 1, 2025

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.

Why Jrue Holiday Fits the Los Angeles Lakers

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.


Jrue Holiday’s 2024-25 Stats



Proposed Trade Package

To acquire Holiday, the Lakers may offer a package centered around Austin Reaves, who averaged 20.2 PPG this season. The deal could include:


- Austin Reaves (20.2 PPG scorer)

- Rookie forward Dalton Knecht

- Jarred Vanderbilt

- Draft capital

Why This Trade Makes Sense

For the Lakers:

- Adds a lockdown defender and playoff-tested veteran.

- Balances the roster without sacrificing too much scoring.

For the Celtics:

- 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.