Andre Iguodala to the Lakers: Guide to the Potential Move

Andre Iguodala was one name being tossed around as a possible addition to the Los Angeles Lakers in NBA trade rumors after the team's surprising 2010-11 postseason exit.

Including the player option for the 2013-14 campaign that Iguodala is likely to pick up, the versatile forward has approximately $44 million owed to him over the next three seasons—a gargantuan amount of money for the rebuilding Sixers to have outstanding moving forward.

The Sixers drafted Evan Turner second overall in 2010 and the club expects to match any offer that Thaddeus Young receives as a restricted free agent, so the team will have a logjam at the small forward position should they retain Iguodala.

Philadelphia won't be looking to simply move Iguodala in a straight salary dump, as the veteran's impact is often undervalued.

As a solid defender and excellent point forward, Iguodala's contributions might not always show up in the box score, but they're undoubtedly felt by his teammates.

Los Angeles would receive a sizable boost should the team be able to bring in Iguodala.

How It Could Happen: Trade

There have been various names associated with Iguodala's name from Los Angeles, but the one underlying common denominator in all of the reports has been Lamar Odom.

When Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated reported on the talks between the two clubs, the potential package being discussed was centered on Odom, and there was some follow-up chatter that seldom used Luke Walton may be included as well to make the deal work financially.

Odom has just one year remaining on his deal (with a team option for 2012-13), and Walton has two seasons remaining on his deal at almost $12 million.

With some grumblings that Odom might not be the same player if taken out of the Los Angeles market paired with a general non-interest in absorbing Walton's ridiculously bloated contract, the Sixers may very well wait for a more appropriate package to come along before seriously considering this one as a realistic scenario.

Potential Trade:

Los Angeles Receives: SF Andre Iguodala

The Lakers nab Iguodala, who can provide both depth along the front line, insurance at the small forward position behind Metta World Peace and even act as a point guard with the proper personnel around him on the floor.

Philadelphia Receives: F Lamar Odom, SF Luke Walton, two future second round picks

The Sixers get out of an enormous financial undertaking by shipping Iguodala's contract out of town, achieve flexibility to continue re-building for the future and add future draft picks to use as trade bait in another deal in the future.

How Iguodala Fits in with the Lakers

Iguodala would likely have to play a reserve role off the bench in Los Angles, but that doesn't mean that he wouldn't be ticketed for major minutes on a nightly basis.

It's hard to imagine Metta World Peace flourishing in the second unit, and his role could very well become marginalized and minimized with a demotion to the bench.

As a leader on the floor, Iguodala could help to bridge the gap at the point guard position while simultaneously providing a stabilizing presence along the front line.

Without Lamar Odom, the Lakers would definitely use Iguodala's versatility to the team's advantage, as his ability to play multiple positions could really allow the team to use some unorthodox lineups to create a competitive advantage over the opposition.

Chances of Lakers Winning a Championship with Iguodala

Los Angeles has to be considered among the favorites to emerge out of the Western Conference, but that is with the current roster as constructed.

While Iguodala's versatility and athleticism would present unique elements to the Lakers, Odom's size allows the team to account for any injury to either Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum by having a backup who can be immediately inserted into the starting five.

With Iguodala, that simply wouldn't be the case.

Although he could play at point guard, should the team suffer another injury to either of its prized big men, the Lakers would be left in a crippling position and their advantage over most of the opposition would be immediately erased.

Without the presence of a legitimate backup other than Odom for the power forward or center positions, any move to acquire Iguodala would have to be prefaced with a big man who could step into the starting five at the drop of a dime.

A new Collective Bargaining Agreement will bring on harsher financial restrictions for the clubs who like to spend big, and with the Lakers' payroll already at the top of the league, it's not certain if the team is going to be interested in bringing in another long-term commitment.

Odds of Iguodala Landing in Los Angeles

Current Odds: Five percent

At one time, the Iguodala to Los Angeles rumor was one of the hottest ones running through the mill, but that no longer appears to be the case.

After waffling on his stance of whether or not he would like to be a part of the Sixers' picture for the future, Iguodala recently re-iterated his stance to remain in Philadelphia, and any decision to trade him is likely to be met with a lot of backlash by the Philly faithful.

Assuming that the team can find a way to make the combination of Iguodala, Young and Turner work in a beneficial manner, the Sixers would be foolish to deal Iguodala when his value is near its lowest point after a campaign in which Iguodala struggled with a painful knee injury for much of the season.

It's definitely going to be interesting to see how No. 9's future plays out in Philadelphia, and after the team made the postseason with Doug Collins on the bench in his first season on the job, the Sixers could be looking to turn the corner with the franchise face remaining in the fold.