Following their untimely defeat in the Western Conference Semi-Finals for the second consecutive season, major changes are expected in Los Angeles before next season tips off. One name who has been mentioned in trade rumors with the Lakers in the past is Philadelphia 76ers guard Andre Iguodala.
Now, according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld, it seems that the two teams might re-open negotiations this summer.
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.
Unlike the Lakers, however, the 76ers’ season is not quite over. Philadelphia will face the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of their series Friday night in Boston. But, once the season does end, it seems that this could be a legitimate option for both teams.
Iguodala would bring some versatility and athleticism to an aging roster. The Lakers are expected to look much differently at the small forward position next summer, anyways, as Matt Barnes is a free agent and Metta World Peace could be up on the amnesty block. Iguodala would fit right into the starting lineup, even if the team does decide to hold onto World Peace, who played well down the stretch of the regular season and in the playoffs.
This year Iguodala averaged 12.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 62 games with the Sixers, all of which are higher averages than those of World Peace, Barnes or reserve small forward Devin Ebanks.