Pascal Siakam Shares What He Learned From Kawhi Leonard

The Toronto Raptors are in Los Angeles to play back-to-back games against the city's two National Basketball Association teams.

However, all eyes will be on Monday night's game, when the Raptors will take on the guys who led them to their first title last season, Kawhi Leonard.

Toronto gambled in trading DeMar DeRozan for Leonard during last year's offseason despite being aware that Leonard's stint north of the border could be one and done.

However, DeRozan's departure turned out to be a blessing in disguise as then unsung heroes stepped up for the Raptors.

One of them is Pascal Siakam, who improved by leaps and bounds, essentially becoming Leonard's backup at the wings.

Siakam would eventually win the Most Improved Player of last season, norming regular season averages of 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

He had better stats during Toronto's championship run, making 19 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists a night during the postseason.

Siakam's surge continued early into the current season, making 27.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists a game.

He had 24 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and three steals in the Raptors' win on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Those numbers are similar to the stat line of Leonard for Toronto last season, which make fans and analysts alike wonder what Leonard taught him during his time there.

Siakam's answer is simple: Leonard staying composed.

"His poise and how he doesn't really get rattled," Siakam told reporters after the game against the Lakers.

He added, "I think that's something that he had. He always had that."

Siakam did not have a good outing in terms of shooting, going 9-of-25 from the field and 1-for-8 from deep.

Good thing for him, he has his teammates to motivate him despite the misses.

"When I miss a couple of shots, guys like Freddie [VanVleet] are in my ear a little bit and telling me to continue to shoot and just stay confident," he continued.

The Raptors are taking on Leonard and the LA Clippers on Monday night.