Not over yet! The Lakers next goal, Holiday?

Everyone knows that the Lakers have already obtained Smart.

However, the operation belonging to the Lakers seems to have not ended yet.

Report from NBA reporter Grant Afseth, the free market is basically settled, and the teams are gradually turning their attention to the trading market, and the future of Trail Blazers defender Ju Holiday has become the focus of the league's increasing attention.

Several sources revealed that Holiday is the potential target of the Lakers. When evaluating the establishment of the team around James and Doncic, Holiday's name continues to be mentioned in the circle. If the Trail Blazers seek to trade to leave Holiday, the Lakers are considered one of the most likely and suitable next players.

Let's talk about Holiday's situation first.

In this offseason, Holiday was sent to the Trail Blazers by the Celtics, who sent Anthony Simmons and two second round picks. In the following news, because a new situation occurred during Holiday's physical examination, the Trail Blazers took back two second round picks, so the transaction was equivalent to a single exchange.

If it was Holiday two years ago, this chip would definitely be sold at a low price, but Holiday did decline last season:

——Regional season, playing 62 games, averaging 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists per game, shooting percentage of 44.3%, three-point shooting percentage of 35.3%, and real shooting percentage of 56.5%

——8 games in the playoffs, playing 9.3 points, 4.3 rebounds per game. 5 assists, shooting percentage of 48.9%, three-point shooting percentage of 31.6%, and real shooting percentage of 57.8%

Considering that Holiday is 35 years old, it is hard to say whether his decline will be permanent, but because of his brilliant past experience, especially the first year of two team changes, Holiday was still sold by the Celtics with regular assets (I have to praise Stevens' operating ability here).

The original intention of the Trail Blazers is to introduce Holiday to take the team's defense to a higher level (the Trail Blazers' defense was good at the end of last season), and to also lead young players who can lead the team. But objectively speaking, Holiday is obviously not in the future of the team. If you can exchange some assets that Simmons could not have changed, the possibility of the Trail Blazers continuing to trade Holiday is definitely not without.

So, is it necessary for the Lakers to get Holiday?

The answer is hard to say, but one thing is certain. Although I have obtained Smart, the Lakers' defense is still not worry-free. If Holiday is introduced, their originally weak perimeter defense will definitely be able to go to a higher level.

And Holiday has two more important points. First, Holiday has a good three-point history. Last season, 35.3% was a low point, and in the previous four seasons, they were 42.9%, 38.4%, 41.1%, and 39.2%, respectively. The career three-point shooting percentage was 37.0%, which is definitely better than Smart.

Second, Holiday has strong upward swing defense ability. Take this year's playoffs for example. In the two rounds of the Celtics, Holiday's four players with the most home defense time are: Brunson (the core of the opposite backcourt), Towns (the core of the opposite inside), Bridges (the small forward of the opposite inside), and Ben Keiro (the core of the opposite inside).

Without touching the core lineup, the Lakers can send out expiration contracts such as Hachimura, Vincent, and Kleber, as well as the first round picks (only 1 can be traded) or first round swaps (5 can be traded).

Of course, there are problems, and there may be more:

1. Holiday is 35 years old and just played a sluggish season last season. It is difficult to guarantee its future state, even on the defensive end.

2. If Holiday joins, then Reeves will have to go to the bench. Theoretically, this will be helpful to the Lakers' starting defense. However, if Reeves has contracted for next season, if you let him play as a substitute, the locker room will probably have many problems

3. Holiday has 3 years left to 104 million, and wants to maintain a salary in 2026 and 2027 with the Lakers. The idea of capital space is contrary to it. After all, the Lakers did not even renew their contract this summer.

4. According to reports from all parties, the Lakers do not want to trade the only first-round pick that can be traded, and the first-round swap will not be easily moved. Without the first-round pick, it cannot impress the Trail Blazers

purely personal opinion. If Holiday can get Holiday, the Lakers' strength will definitely be strengthened. His + Smart's defensive combination, Doncic + James + Reeves' firepower, combined with Holiday's first two team changes, which brought huge improvements to the team, there is indeed reason to believe that the Lakers will enter the championship ranks next season.

But considering that Holiday is 35 years old, has a contract of over 100 million yuan for three years, and the Lakers' idea of having a major event in 2026 and 2027, this deal is not realistic. Do you think the Lakers need to get Holiday?