While the Los Angeles Lakers await a decision from Kawhi Leonard, they have slowly begun the process of filling up a barren roster. That process has so far only yielded veterans Troy Daniels and Jared Dudley.
The team has shown interest in several other role players but have been slow to sign any due to the Leonard dilemma. The latest player linked to the Lakers is Justin Holiday, according to Michael Scotto of The Athletic.
Free agent Justin Holiday is considering interest from several teams including the Lakers, Clippers, Bulls, Raptors, Pacers, Wizards, Hornets and Cavaliers, league sources told @TheAthleticNBA. Memphis is open to a sign-and-trade with him.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 4, 2019
Holiday played in 82 games between the Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies last year. He averaged 10.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. His offensive game is mostly limited to transition and cutting opportunities. While not a shooter by any means, Holiday is not a liability behind the arc either as he shot 34.8% from behind the 3-point line last season. That is slightly below league average.
Where Holiday excels is on the defensive end. In particular, the 30-year-old does a great job of chasing shooters around screens and contesting spot-up opportunities with his length.
The older brother of Pelicans’ All-Star Jrue Holiday, Justin seems to have plenty of interest around the league although it could easily be (and probably is), in part, a tactic by his agent to drum up more interest in the wing.
Nevertheless, the 6-foot-6 shooting guard is a useful player and someone the Lakers will certainly kee an eye on whether or not Leonard signs with them.
