Trail Blazers' Win Over Lakers Brings Damian Lillard Trade Full Circle

Jrue Holiday was a Portland Trail Blazer for four days in 2023. Robert Williams III arrived in the trade that sent him to Boston.

And Damian Lillard's departure started the entire sequence.

Three years later, all three were wearing the same uniform Tuesday night ... and the Los Angeles Lakers were on the receiving end.

The Portland Trail Blazers improved to 3-0 with a 136-129 victory in Los Angeles, handing the Lakers their first loss despite 41 points from Luka Doncic. Lillard knocked down a clutch three-pointer with 43 seconds remaining, but the performances of Holiday and Williams deserve more than a passing mention.

The two veterans combined for 36 points off Portland's bench — 75% of the team's reserve scoring. Considering how they ended up together, it's a fairly remarkable development.

When Portland traded Lillard to Milwaukee in September 2023, Holiday came back as part of the return. Four days later, the Blazers sent him to Boston for Williams, Malcolm Brogdon and two first-round picks.

Holiday won a championship with the Celtics in 2024. Williams stayed in Portland, although injuries repeatedly interrupted his time on the floor.

The story didn't end there. Portland reacquired Holiday in July 2025 for Anfernee Simons, and Lillard returned later that month while recovering from a torn Achilles.

Now they're teammates ... and Tuesday's win showed why that reunion matters beyond the history.

Holiday scored 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting, with four rebounds and three assists. His plus-10 rating led the Blazers. Scoot Henderson, meanwhile, finished with two points and five turnovers, making Holiday's experience that much more valuable.

For a roster featuring Lillard, Ja Morant and Henderson, having another guard who can run the offense without demanding the spotlight is a luxury. Holiday doesn't need to be the centerpiece to leave his fingerprints on a game.

Williams made his presence felt differently, posting 14 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a block in 21 minutes. He shot 6-of-8 from the field and didn't commit a turnover.

Health has always been the concern. Talent hasn't.

After signing a multiyear extension in June, Williams has appeared in all three games, with his minutes increasing from 15 to 18 to 21. He doesn't need to play 35 minutes to matter, especially with Donovan Clingan already occupying the middle.

None of this means Portland has everything figured out. The Blazers shot 59% overall and 50% from three against Los Angeles, while allowing the Lakers to shoot 56.3%. The offense won't be that efficient every night, and the defense has work to do.

But Holiday and Williams give Micah Nori options when the shooting cools off or the younger players struggle. That could matter more over 82 games than any one spectacular shooting night.

Portland hosts Memphis on Thursday, with Morant facing his former team for the first time. Another reunion, another reminder of just how quickly an NBA roster can change.

Lillard's three-pointer with 43 seconds remaining will get the highlights — as it should. But without 36 points from Holiday and Williams, there's no guarantee he even gets the chance to deliver it.

The Blazers spent years making moves in the aftermath of Lillard's departure. Now, two players who were traded for one another because of that decision are helping him win again.

One was shipped out before he ever put on a Blazers jersey. The other arrived in his place. Three years later, they're both helping Lillard finish games ... and Portland is beginning to see just how valuable that unexpected reunion could become.