Rumors: Lakers Acquire Sharpshooter in 3-Team Deal Involving D'Angelo Russell

Lakers Explore Siakam Deal: Analyzing the Trade Scenarios

The Los Angeles Lakers are buzzing with excitement as they face the Toronto Raptors in an upcoming game, presenting Lakers fans with a unique prospect. Following the trade of OG Anunoby, the Raptors might be heading into a fire sale, and the Lakers are keeping a close eye on the developments.


Siakam's Trade Window


Pascal Siakam, on an expiring deal and showing signs of not wanting a long-term stay in Toronto, emerges as a prime candidate for trade. Drawing lessons from the Fred VanVleet scenario, the Raptors are likely to explore options rather than risk losing an all-star forward for free.

While Siakam may be out of the Lakers' immediate reach, leveraging the Siakam rumors can open doors for alternative deals, possibly involving a player linked to the Lakers in trade rumors for years.

Lakers Eye Buddy Hield

Buddy Hield reenters the trade block, with the Indiana Pacers prominently featured in Siakam trade talks. Given Hield's salary, he could become a vital part of a Siakam deal, making the Lakers a potential third team in the mix.

Toronto might not have a significant need for Hield, especially considering his expiring deal. The Lakers, however, could seize the opportunity by involving D'Angelo Russell in a potential trade.

The Proposed Trade

The Lakers can engage in a trade without sacrificing first-round picks, offering Russell along with a recent first-round pick. This proposal might be enticing enough for the Raptors to reroute Hield to Los Angeles. Here's a breakdown of the suggested trade:

Toronto Raptors
Receive:
D'Angelo Russell
Jalen Hood-Schifino
Bennedict Mathurin
Jarace Walker
2024 First-round pick
2026 First-round pick (Via Indiana)

Indiana Pacers
Receive:
Pascal Siakam
Garrett Temple

Los Angeles Lakers
Receive:
Buddy Hield

The Moving Parts

While the Lakers are not crucial to the trade's execution, their involvement could provide added benefits. The Raptors and Pacers could proceed without the Lakers, but the proposed trade offers the Lakers an attractive deal.

Trade Grades
Los Angeles Lakers Trade Grade: B
The Lakers would acquire Buddy Hield, providing them with a perimeter player who excels at three-point shooting and complements the team's offensive flow. If this is the only move the Lakers make at the deadline, it may not guarantee a title but adds valuable depth.

Toronto Raptors Trade Grade: A+
The Raptors secure three promising young players and two first-round picks in exchange for Siakam, a win-win considering Siakam's expiring deal. Bennedict Mathurin's Montreal connection adds a cherry on top for Toronto.

Indiana Pacers Trade Grade: B+
Assuming the Pacers can sign Siakam to a new deal, this trade is a solid move for Indiana. Siakam's pairing with Tyrese Haliburton enhances their title aspirations, balancing short-term gains with a promising long-term outlook.

In conclusion, the proposed Lakers-Raptors-Pacers trade scenario holds significant potential for all parties involved.

marca.com