Lakers Trade Rumors: Andre Iguodala Would Solve Woes at Small Forward

One of the Los Angeles Lakers' many problem areas this season was at small forward.

Philadelphia 76ers swingman Andre Iguodala would be the cure.

Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD reported on May 24:

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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...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.

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The Lakers are expected to amnesty Metta World Peace this offseason, who is due $15 million over the next two years. In that sense, you have to go after someone like Iguodala, who would instantly provide a boost on both sides of the floor.

Iguodala averaged 12.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.7 steals this season, while shooting 45 percent from the floor and nearly 40 percent from downtown. He'd give the Lakers what they had been lacking this season: a young, versatile player who can stretch the floor with his outside shooting ability and also slash to the rim.

Of course, landing Iguodala isn't going to be easy, or cheap. Kennedy notes that the Lakers may have to part with Pau Gasol.

But while parting with Gasol for Iguodala in the past would have been considered ludicrous, things have changed. Gasol was once again criticized for being soft in the playoffs this year, and his post defense left a lot to be desired. It almost seems a forgone conclusion that the Lakers will trade him this offseason.

A Iguodala-for-Gasol swap would leave the Lakers with a starting lineup of Ramon Sessions, Kobe Bryant, Iguodala, Jordan Hill and Andrew Bynum. Hill's development this season may push the Lakers to make this trade. Remember, the 2009 first-round pick is still just 24 years old.

The Lakers have a lot of issues to sort through before next season. Trading for Iguodala would at least solve one of them.

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