The Los Angeles Lakers made the playoffs as the No. 7 seed this season, advancing through the play-in tournament. There is no doubt that they’re a solid team, with some potential to make a deep run in the postseason.
However, if they don’t end up making any noise in the playoffs, it is quite possible that they will make roster moves. A player that the team could potentially target is Pascal Siakam, as he was recently rumored as a potential trade candidate for the team. Here is a potential framework for the trade.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors Receive: D’Angelo Russell (Sign-And-Trade), Malik Beasley
This trade could potentially have benefits for both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Toronto Raptors. It could end up being a win-win move, and in this article, we will examine what each side has to gain from making this trade.
Los Angeles Lakers Create A Big 3
Adding Pascal Siakam to a core that features Anthony Davis and LeBron James would definitely be a winning move. Pascal Siakam is a proven championship winner, and he is a rangy forward that is capable of guarding all five positions, playmaking, and complementary scoring. This season, Pascal Siakam averaged 24.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 5.8 APG for the Toronto Raptors, and it is clear that he would make for a fantastic No. 3 option behind the Lakers’ two superstars.
Pascal Siakam’s addition would definitely help Anthony Davis stay healthy throughout the season, as Siakam’s presence will likely lessen the wear and tear on the big man. He can take on the tougher defensive assignments, and allow Davis to roam around and cause havoc on the defensive end. Though the offense of this potential frontcourt is exciting potential-wise, it is likely the defense that would stand out first.
In this trade scenario, the Los Angeles Lakers would have to give up two guards, D’Angelo Russell, and Malik Beasley. D’Angelo Russell will be a free agent this upcoming offseason, but if he decides to leave, then the Lakers could try to convince him to agree to a sign-and-trade. The Toronto Raptors could be a good option in this scenario, as they will need a point guard if they can’t retain Fred VanVleet in free agency. D’Angelo Russell would have a bigger role on the Raptors and the keys to the offense next to Scottie Barnes, something that could end up being appealing to him going into his best basketball years.
There is no doubt that Pascal Siakam is a bonafide star, and he could end up being a difference-maker for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Toronto Raptors Get A Quality Starting Guard
Pascal Siakam will be on an expiring contract for the 2023-24 season, and if he tells the Toronto Raptors that he won’t re-sign with the franchise, then it is likely that they will trade him during this offseason. That would allow them to get the best value for their star, rather than waiting for midseason and letting him go for a mediocre return.
As mentioned previously, D’Angelo Russell will be the main allure of this deal. Russell is a fantastic combo guard who can toggle between scoring and playmaking, while also being very capable off the ball. Adding a quality player like him on a long-term deal in exchange for a player that could leave is obviously the smart move to make. This year, D’Angelo Russell averaged 17.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 6.2 APG.
The reason that D’Angelo Russell could end up joining the Toronto Raptors is if they end up giving him an amazing contract. It will be interesting to see what Russell will get in free agency, but if the Toronto Raptors give him a slight overpay compared to the other deals he would get, then it is easy to see him head up north.
Malik Beasley would allow the Toronto Raptors to replace Gary Trent Jr. for a season, as he is a spark plug scorer who can get hot coming off the bench. He will be a free agent in 2024, but the Toronto Raptors could elect to re-sign him if he ends up playing well for the franchise.
Overall, this deal from the Toronto Raptors is simply about not letting Pascal Siakam walk in 2024 free agency for nothing and getting something back for him. D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley are both solid players who could be appealing to Toronto and getting both for one player on an expiring is absolutely worth it.
The Los Angeles Lakers Would Become A Championship Contender
Though the current iteration of the Los Angeles Lakers isn’t a true championship contender, getting Pascal Siakam could put them in that category. He would vastly help the team on both ends and could take away some of the offensive responsibilities that are on LeBron James’ shoulders right now. He has also not been on a championship-contending team since 2019, and going to a team where he can play off two superstars could be appealing for Siakam.
The Toronto Raptors would be getting a solid trade package for Pascal Siakam. Though it doesn’t involve any draft compensation, they can always trade D’Angelo Russell later if the move does not have the desired effect. He will have value as a starting quality point guard on a long-term deal, and many teams would likely be willing to make a move for him. However, the optimal scenario is that D’Angelo Russell becomes the starting point guard for the next version of the Toronto Raptors, and helps them become a contending team with Scottie Barnes.
We will see whether a deal with a similar framework will end up happening in the future. There are certainly a lot of things to like here for both teams, and we’ll see what eh offseason holds for both of them.
Source: fadeawayworld
