Lakers Trade Rumors: Andre Iguodala a Top Target for Los Angeles

The Lakers will be looking to improve their roster this summer, and Andre Iguodala is at the top of their list.

According to Alex Kennedy of hoopsworld.com, Los Angeles almost traded for the 76ers small forward a year ago, and will explore the option once again.

Iguodala is known as one of the better defenders in the league. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2011.

He was selected to the his first All-Star team this season, averaging 12.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.

The Lakers were reportedly ready to send Lamar Odom and a draft pick to the 76ers for Iguodala last summer. Philadelphia was prepared to make the trade, but decided against it before the NBA Draft, feeling that Odom wouldn't be happy away from L.A.

After Odom had his worst season as a pro in 2012 with Dallas, the 76ers may have been right.

Los Angeles won't be able to offer Odom to Philly this time, but they have enough pieces to put together a comparable offer. The Lakers reportedly are willing to trade Pau Gasol, and a straight up swap of Iguodala for the L.A. big man would work under the current rules of the collective bargaining agreement.

Gasol and Iguodala have similar contracts. Both players are signed through the next two years. Gasol is set to make $19 million per season, while Iguodala is scheduled to make around $15 million.

Gasol was traded in a deal that landed the Lakers Chris Paul in December, but the transaction was eventually vetoed by David Stern.

It's not known if the 76ers would be interested in Gasol, but they would probably at least consider the offer. Elton Brand is the team's starting power forward, but has seen his best days. He has one year left on his contract.

Philadelphia would probably prefer to acquire Andrew Bynum in a deal, but they would most likely have to give up more than Iguodala to get the young center.

Iguodala and the Sixers are currently still in the postseason. They are headed to a Game 7 in their second round playoff series with the Celtics.