Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam

Toronto Raptors Receive: F/C Anthony Davis, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)

It wasn’t long ago that if a Davis/Siakam swap were to occur, the team receiving Siakam would also be the team getting a first-round pick.

At that time, Davis was viewed as a perennial MVP candidate. Meanwhile, Siakam was on the periphery of All-NBA discussions. Life comes at you quickly in the National Basketball Association.

Injuries have derailed Anthony Davis’ career for the last two seasons. Whether they account for his dreadful 16.9% accuracy from three-point range in 2021-22 is a matter of debate. What is certain is that, by now, Davis would have less trade value on the open market than Siakam.

Still, a first-round pick may grease the wheels for the Raptors. If Davis did return to his prior form, the Raptors get the best player in this deal and a first-round pick.

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Meanwhile, the Lakers opt for a much-needed sure thing here. Siakam is a much safer bet to deliver a strong 2022-23 season.

In fact, so much stronger that this may be too much risk for the Raptors to accept. If that’s how they feel, there may be another package they could offer the Lakers in exchange for Davis.