NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Open For 'Costly Trade' To Acquire Underrated Guard

The Los Angeles Lakers would be open for a discussion if the New Orleans Pelicans put veteran guard Jrue Holiday on the trading block. Although a potential deal might force them to unload some valuable assets, the Lakers are said to be willing to take risks and vie for the 30-year-old, who remains underappreciated despite his consistent play for the Pels.

Jonathan Kiernan of the Lake Show Life projects a three-team swap deal that would lead Holiday to Los Angeles. Joining the Lakers and the Pelicans are the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are speculated to release long-time forward Kevin Love.

Based on the prediction, the Lakers would have to trade away Danny Green, Kyle Kuzma, Quinn Cook, and a 2020 first-round pick over to the Cavs. The Pelicans would then receive Love before sending Holiday over to L.A.

“To say that this would be a costly trade for the Los Angeles Lakers is an understatement,” Kiernan wrote. “They would effectively be handing over the rest of their remaining assets to land Point Guard Jrue Holiday.”

The former UCLA guard has maintained his reputation as one of the best two-way players in the NBA. For his career, he was able to rack up 15.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 45.2% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc.

The offensive numbers are indeed commendable, but it is really on the defensive end where Holiday takes his pride in.

“Jrue Holiday isn’t just a good defender for his position, he is elite. Regardless of what position you play, Jrue Holiday is going to lock you up,” Kiernan added.

“With the NBA full of point guard who can explode for 30 or 40 points at any given time, Holiday offers refuge from this barrage and that is something the Los Angeles Lakers could absolutely use going forward.

“Jrue has deceptively long arms, fantastic lateral quickness, and has a toughness that allows him to get in the faces of his opponent and show no fear. A quality that is valued and appreciated with any team.

“Having such a versatile defender like holiday makes the entire team’s job much easier. The Lakers would have the potential to put 4 elite defenders on the floor at one time to lock down the opposing team.”

Holiday’s approach has been the same since he was drafted 17th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2009. Being named an All-Star just once does not do justice to the quality of play he displays day in, day out. But despite being less recognized than he should be, Holiday has continued to deliver. And for a team that is stacked with so much talent like the Lakers, having a selfless top-quality guard in him signals music to the ears of all Lakers fans.