NBA Trade Rumor: Lakers Predicted to Acquire Celtics' Star Guard in Exchange for Austin Reaves to Form Super Trio with Luka Doncic and LeBron James

After enduring a brutal elimination in round 1 of the playoffs, the LA Lakers will have to take a deep dive into hindsight and figure out where it all went wrong for them. While it goes without saying that the Lakers have been wanting a Center for a long time, and in the end, the absence of someone of that nature proved to be costly for the Lakers. However, the front office will be expected to act upon it and could bring in competent individuals to curb the frailties. Subsequently, the flow of assertions and rumors has begun in the aspect.

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Lakers Can Target Celtics' Point Guard Jrue Holiday

As per reports, the Lakers' search for a valuable Center could take them to the door of archrivals Boston Celtics. They can eye Jrue Holiday, who plays as a shooting guard but offers versatility which the Lakers are yearning for. Holiday could be left off the hook by the Celtics following the culmination of the season.

"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 
Shams Charania on Pat McAfee Show, “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.

Jrue Holiday would be a strong fit for the Los Angeles Lakers, bringing elite defence and veteran leadership. He'd serve as a defensive anchor, guarding multiple positions and compensating for Luka Doncic's defensive limitations. With playoff experience and a proven track record (averaging 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists this season), Holiday would complement LeBron James and Doncic well, providing valuable intangibles and leadership.

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Who Can be Offered in the Trade?

To acquire Jrue Holiday, the Lakers might offer a trade package consisting of Austin Reaves (20.2 PPG scorer), rookie forward Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, and draft capital. This combination aims to match Holiday's defensive and leadership values.