Grade the trade: Lakers add Pascal Siakam at deadline in proposed deal

Los Angeles Lakers grade for Pascal Siakam trade: B

Look, I know that the instant reaction to this trade is to shoot it down but there are several reasons to do this. The Lakers would be getting another frontcourt player that can help space the floor and they could dominate teams in the NBA Playoffs with size alone.

Just imagine a starting five of Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Siakam and Anthony Davis. That is a title-winning starting five and Siakam is the perfect type of all-star that can come in and play third fiddle without getting his ego hurt.

Sure, the Lakers are trading away talented players but they might be a tad overrated by fans. Russell was unplayable in the playoffs, Hachimura was great but hasn’t shown that he can do it for more than a month and as already mentioned, JHS’ timeline doesn’t match with LA’s.

Los Angeles would still have a first-round pick in 2028 (with it being swapped) and would only sacrifice one pick in 2029. LA is still going to get two of its next three first-round picks from 2024 through 2026, so it isn’t like the team is starved for draft capital.

If LA wants to go all-in on winning a title this year then Siakam would be a solid piece to go for. Every move comes with risks but a Lakers team with Siakam is more talented.

Toronto Raptors grade for Pascal Siakam trade: C+

This is a fine trade package for the Toronto Raptors in this situation. The value would be low as they would only be trading half a season of Siakam so they cannot ask for a king’s ransom.

Toronto is better off trading him now and getting more for him but that is not how the NBA always works. At least in this deal the Raptors would be getting someone they could flip in Russell, a decent role player in Hachimura, and a young player they can hope to develop in JHS.