NBA FREE AGENCY: Lakers Land $135 Million Boston Celtics Superstar, Two-Time All-Star And Six-Time All-Defensive Team Selection

Blockbuster Signing Forms New Big 3 With LeBron James And Luka Dončić To Bolster Championship Hopes

In a dramatic turn of events in NBA Free Agency, the Los Angeles Lakers have pulled off one of the biggest signings of the summer, landing Boston Celtics superstar Jrue Holiday — a two-time All-Star and six-time All-Defensive Team selection — in a deal worth $135 million. The move forms a new-look Big 3 in L.A. alongside LeBron James and recently acquired Luka Dončić, signaling the Lakers’ full commitment to chasing another championship before LeBron’s legendary career comes to a close.

Holiday Chooses Purple and Gold Over Boston Return

After helping the Celtics secure an NBA title in 2024 and cementing himself as one of the most respected two-way guards in the game, Jrue Holiday became one of the most coveted free agents this offseason. Despite Boston’s interest in retaining him, sources say the Lakers offered both a compelling financial package and the opportunity to play with LeBron and Luka — a rare opportunity to chase another ring in a high-profile role.

Holiday’s deal is reportedly a four-year, $135 million contract, giving him both security and the spotlight on a contending team.

Perfect Fit Next to LeBron and Luka

Holiday’s arrival in Los Angeles fills a critical need for the Lakers: a defensive stopper who can also play on or off the ball. With Luka Dončić’s offensive brilliance and LeBron’s leadership and versatility, Jrue brings:

• Elite Perimeter Defense: Few in the NBA can guard multiple positions like Holiday.
• Playoff Poise: He’s known for his clutch plays in high-pressure games, especially on defense.
• Low-Ego, High-Impact Game: Holiday doesn’t need the ball to be effective, making him an ideal complement to two ball-dominant stars.

This balance makes the trio arguably one of the most complete Big 3s in recent NBA memory — blending elite scoring, high IQ playmaking, and defensive grit.

LeBron’s Final Championship Push?

At 40 years old, LeBron James is clearly entering the final chapters of his career, but his production remains elite. Teaming up with Luka — widely considered one of the league’s next generational talents — and now Holiday, gives LeBron one of his strongest supporting casts in years.

With this trio, plus a potentially revamped supporting bench, the Lakers are expected to be instant title contenders heading into the 2025-26 season.

Luka Era Begins With a Bang

The acquisition of Luka Dončić earlier this summer shocked the league, and many wondered who the Lakers would bring in to round out the core. With Jrue Holiday now in the fold, L.A. has built a team that’s both win-now and built for the near future — with Dončić set to take the franchise reins as LeBron slowly transitions away from the spotlight.

Championship or Bust

With these moves, the Lakers have sent a clear message to the rest of the NBA: They’re going all-in. After a couple of disappointing playoff exits and roster instability, L.A. has reloaded with defense, star power, and experience.

Now the pressure is on: anything short of a deep playoff run — if not a title — would be considered a failure. But with Holiday, LeBron, and Luka all healthy and locked in, the Lakers may have just built a team capable of hanging banner No. 18 in the rafters of Crypto.com Arena.