"The trade talks between the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers have traction for one simple reason: The exchange of Lamar Odom and Andre Iguodala could provide immense benefits to both teams.

The proposed deal – Iguodala for Odom and Luke Walton – would give the Lakers an elite wing defender for their championship chase. New head coach Mike Brown wants more athleticism in a younger player to pair with Kobe Bryant and Ron Artest to defend the likes of James, Dwyane Wade and Kevin Durant.

One source involved in the talks said that Sixers coach Doug Collins "thinks Odom can play the [center] like [Mike] Krzyzewski had Odom doing in the world championships."

Nevertheless, no deal was imminent, and the advanced and complicated sales talks make it harder for Sixers president Rod Thorn to pull off such a major trade, sources said."