Jrue Holiday experienced a moment this week that cut through the noise of an NBA game and put everything else into perspective. In the middle of the action, Holiday heard a familiar voice from the stands at Moda Center.
When he turned, he saw his young daughter waving and calling out to him. Her reaction when he acknowledged her – a wide smile and visible excitement – created a brief but powerful scene that resonated well beyond the final score.
Holiday, now part of a Portland Trail Blazers team that is quietly finding its footing, has brought stability and leadership to a roster that endured early growing pains. Portland enters Saturday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers at 20-22, sitting ninth in the Western Conference and firmly back in the play-in conversation. The Los Angeles Lakers, 24-15, have won seven of the last nine meetings between the teams, though the season series is split at one win apiece.
The Blazers are finding a way to win
After a slow start, the Blazers have won eight of their last 11 games, with losses coming only against quality opponents in the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors. That stretch has shifted the tone around the team, especially with Holiday and Jerami Grant returning to the lineup this week.
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Their presence has been significant for a young roster leaning on development and consistency. One of the biggest stories during Portland‘s surge has been Deni Avdija‘s emergence as a primary playmaker. Avdija has been performing at an All-Star level, averaging 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and nearly a steal per game.
His availability remains something to watch after missing the last two games with a back issue, but his growth has accelerated the Blazers‘ timeline. Beyond the standings, optimism in Portland has been fueled by nostalgia and possibility.
A possible comeback?
Damian Lillard’s return to the franchise after two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks has already energized the fan base, and speculation has grown around the potential reunion of Lillard and CJ McCollum. McCollum, now in Atlanta after being included in the trade that sent Trae Young to Washington, cannot be moved again before the Feb. 5 deadline due to trade restrictions.
A midseason deal appears unlikely given McCollum‘s $30.7 million salary and Atlanta‘s desire to maintain financial flexibility. Any realistic trade scenario would likely require Portland to part with either Holiday or Grant, both of whom have additional player options in 2027-28. For now, those complications make a trade difficult.
Free agency, however, presents a more realistic path. McCollum is set to hit the market this summer, and the idea of returning to Portland to join Lillard and an ascending roster could carry appeal. This version of the Blazers is built differently than the teams McCollum previously played on, with defensive contributors like Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan capable of covering for the backcourt’s defensive limitations while benefiting from their shooting.
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