The Los Angeles Lakers have had a shaky start to their season, falling to 3-4 after a close loss to the Miami Heat. For a team with title aspirations, this start is less than ideal. With Anthony Davis determined to play through injuries, the Lakers need to find a way to stay afloat in an incredibly competitive Western Conference. Acquiring a borderline All-NBA player of good value might be exactly what the Lakers need. We have previously discussed the four realistic trade targets for the Lakers, but we want to focus on a specific trade opportunity here.

The Toronto Raptors have held onto their core duo of Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby for years, reportedly rebuffing multiple trade offers from all kinds of suitors by setting an unrealistic price tag on the duo. However, the Raptors stand to lose their players for nothing with all their main contributors on expiring contracts. While Anunoby still has an upside as a potential DPOY-caliber forward, Siakam is approaching the end of his prime.

Instead of losing Siakam for nothing or at a cut price in a few seasons, the Raptors could move him to the Lakers for a strong package of assets that’ll help both teams.

Trade Details

Toronto Raptors Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, 2027 Lottery-Protected First-Round Pick  

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Pascal Siakam

This trade could work out for both parties if they set realistic expectations on what to receive and send out. Ultimately, it would shake up the NBA and make the Lakers a threat again, while giving the Raptors what they need to finally start rebuilding their roster.

The Raptors Bid Farewell To A Club Legend

Pascal Siakam is undoubtedly a Toronto Raptors legend. He’s been with the team since 2016 and was an integral part of their 2020 championship run. In addition, he’s made two All-NBA and two All-Star teams with the franchise. In comparison, DeMar DeRozan was only a three-time All-Star and a two-time All-NBA during his time with the franchise.

D’Angelo Russell is averaging 17.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists this season and has proven his value as a solid NBA combo guard. With the Raptors’ lack of depth at the guard position, he would be a great addition to their lineup and reform his partnership with Dennis Schroder. He’s also on a short-term team-friendly contract, making him a highly movable piece for Toronto.

Rui Hachimura could be a long-term piece for the Raptors frontline, given he’s just 24 years old. He’s shown great flashes with the Lakers but has been struggling with injuries so far this season. He has long-term potential and is also a valuable player right now who can continue the Raptors’ philosophy of playing rangy wings in their frontline.

Lakers Get Their Third Star

Pascal Siakam has proven over the last five seasons that he is a high-level contributor on a team, whether it’s by leading the offense or fitting into a system. He’s coming off the best season of his career, averaging 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 71 games. Given the Lakers’ instability in their frontcourt, especially the injury concerns with Anthony Davis, Siakam would be the ideal piece for the Lakers instead of focusing on getting a star guard.

It’s time the Lakers make the switch to playing LeBron James at point guard, as they did in their title-winning 2020 season. James will always be versatile enough to fit in anywhere, but Darvin Ham’s Lakers have moved away from playing James at guard. Even though he’s trying to adopt more off-ball responsibilities, James is consistently the best playmaker on the Lakers.

With AD healthy, a frontcourt of him and Siakam could be unstoppable, especially if LeBron is running the point. In the absence of AD or LeBron, Siakam gives the Lakers a proven No. 1 option that could carry the team through tough stretches of the season and provide some valuable and consistent scoring. Siakam would replace Hachimura along the frontline, but the Lakers could get a budget scoring guard like Jaylen Nowell in free agency and run staggered combinations of James, Gabe Vincent, and Nowell based on team needs.

Is This A Risk Worth Taking?

This deal is risky for both teams. The Lakers are giving up two rotational players that have proven to fit with LeBron and Davis for a player that definitely doesn’t replace the value of what they’re losing. Sacrificing depth after it was a key to their success last season is tough, but the Lakers cannot materially improve to being a contender if they don’t add another star to combat the star-heavy Western Conference. Instead of waiting for Kyrie Irving to ask out till February, a deal like this in January 2024 would be valuable.

The Raptors wouldn’t want to give up a legend like Siakam for little value. But the market didn’t show much interest in him beyond the Hawks, who couldn’t get a deal done. This deal allows them to move on instead of a free agency split, especially after Masai Ujiri’s perceived shots at Siakam and Anunoby over their high contract asks for an extension.

LeBron James has proven that he is good for yet another season with his strong start to this season’s campaign, but his longevity isn’t guaranteed. He may be on his way out next season and the Lakers need to find a long-term solution to remain a contender, especially with the long-term contract they handed Anthony Davis. Getting Siakam this season helps the Lakers have Bird rights on a star to continue their contending trajectory if James decides to leave and play with Bronny.