Jrue Holiday explains the vintage performances that broke the Lakers

Jrue Holiday looked like a veteran star Portland envisioned when they traded for him this offseason. For the second night in a row, the 35-year-old guard led the way Portland Trail Blazers to their first road win of the season, a 122-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, with a vintage two-way performance that set the tone for a young squad.

Holiday finished with 24 points and six assists on an efficient 10-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, while providing his usual defensive stability and leadership. After the game, Holiday was calm and composed when asked about his early season form in Portland.

it’s early

But Jrue Holiday is on average:
– 17.8 points (highest since 2023)
– 5.5 rebounds (highest ever)
– 7.8 assists (highest since 2013)
– 1.3 steals (highest since 2022)
– 2.5 3 s (highest ever)

Asked Holiday about standing out in Portland early in the season pic.twitter.com/IkH2eivlI0

— Lav Murray 🎃 (@LavMurraiTheNU) October 28, 2025

“I just have to do what it takes,” Holliday said. “We have a lot of talent on this team, people who can make plays for others, people who can make plays for themselves. Whatever it takes, that’s what I mostly do.”

It was a simple explanation for a complex play. Holliday controlled the tempo, spaced the floor and found his rhythm early while balancing the offensive flow with Danny Avdia, who scored a team-high 25 points. Jeremy Grant added 22 off the bench, while Donovan Klingan and Shaedon Sharpe had 16 pointshelping the Blazers overcome a Lakers team missing LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Holiday’s game reflected exactly what the Blazers hoped for when they brought him in: composure, versatility and the ability to elevate a young group that is learning to win together, whether it’s finding Avdia for threes from the corner or orchestrating pick-and-rolls with Klingon. The veteran full-back’s shot went wide of the goal.

Portland’s starters combined for 85 points, shooting 53 percent from the field, but it was Holiday’s leadership that kept the team steady whenever the Lakers pressed. The Blazers outscored Los Angeles 33-31 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

“We’re figuring out what works,” Holliday added. “It’s about staying connected, doing the right things and trusting each other.”

With the win, Portland improved to 2-2 and will finish its three-game road trip on Wednesday in Utah. If Holiday continues to perform at this level, the Blazers could find themselves ahead of schedule in the Western Conference race.