Lakers Rumors: L.A. Smart to Target 76ers Superstar Andre Iguodala Again

In their quest to get younger and more athletic going forward, the Los Angeles Lakers will target Philadelphia 76ers superstar Andre Iguodala via trade this summer, according to Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD.

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The Lakers, who are looking to shake their roster up this offseason, are expected to once again emerge as a potential suitor for Iguodala. The 28-year-old would be an excellent fit for Los Angeles and solve their problem at small forward. Sources close to the situation say that Kobe Bryant would welcome the move since he has wanted the Lakers to acquire an athletic, versatile small forward for several years.

After missing on Iguodala last summer, the Lakers may be able to land him this offseason if they’re willing to part with the right pieces.

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The Lakers' lack of athleticism was on full display during their second-round series with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are a team full of young players that Los Angeles simply cannot defend well enough right now in a seven-game series.

Iguodala has impressed everyone during the playoffs with his shut-down perimeter defense and willingness to take and also make important shots during the postseason.

Metta World Peace is still a top-tier defender, but offensively he gives the Lakers very little at small forward. His outside shooting is inconsistent and is pretty much the only weapon he has on offense.

Iguodala has good shooting range but can also take the ball to the basket and finish with authority, like he did in Game 6 of the 76ers' second-round playoff series with the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.

The 76ers would really take a step back by trading Iguodala, especially to a team like the Lakers that has few valuable trade assets outside of big men Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

I can't imagine the 76ers wanting to acquire Gasol at age 31 and on the downside of his career, and I don't see the Lakers trading Bynum without getting a star center in return.

If he does end up going to the Lakers, Iguodala's combination of strong defense and consistent offense would really bolster an L.A. team that has to make significant changes in the summer to become a legitimate NBA Finals contender again.

Acquiring Iguodala would be a positive first step in that process.

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