NBA FREE AGENCY: Lakers Land $135 Million Celtics Star Jrue Holiday to Form Big 3 with LeBron James and Luka Dončić in Championship Push
In a headline-grabbing move that has immediately elevated their championship hopes, the Los Angeles Lakers have signed two-time All-Star and six-time All-Defensive Team selection Jrue Holiday in 2026 NBA free agency. Holiday, previously with the Boston Celtics and a key part of their recent Finals runs, has agreed to a lucrative deal reportedly worth $135 million. He now joins forces with LeBron James and Luka Dončić to form a veteran-stacked Big 3, sending a clear message that the Lakers are going all-in for another title.
Known as one of the most respected two-way guards in the league, Holiday brings elite perimeter defense, veteran leadership, and clutch experience to an already loaded Lakers roster. At 35, he’s still playing at an exceptionally high level, capable of locking down the opposing team’s best perimeter players while also serving as a steady offensive presence. Last season with Boston, Holiday averaged 14.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, while continuing to earn praise for his defensive IQ and unselfish style of play.
“Jrue is a winner—plain and simple,” said Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. “He brings toughness, experience, and leadership to the table. We believe his presence alongside Luka and LeBron gives us the balance we need to win it all.”
Holiday’s arrival addresses one of the Lakers’ biggest needs: a premier defensive guard who can facilitate offense without dominating the ball. With Dončić serving as the team’s offensive engine and LeBron providing all-around brilliance, Holiday adds stability, grit, and the ability to guard elite guards and wings in crunch time. His championship pedigree, most notably his 2021 title run with the Milwaukee Bucks, will be invaluable during the postseason.
The signing also signals the Lakers’ aggressive win-now mindset as they maximize the final seasons of LeBron’s historic career while building a sustainable contender around Dončić. With Holiday in the fold, the Lakers now possess one of the most defensively sound backcourts in the league and a battle-tested core with playoff experience.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, fans in Los Angeles are buzzing with excitement. With Jrue Holiday joining LeBron James and Luka Dončić, the Lakers look more than ready to make a serious push for banner No. 18.
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